Maya Plate with TL test






Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
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Pre-Columbian Maya ceramic plate dating to 600–900 A.D., 28 cm wide by 28 cm deep, with a central bird motif and traces of polychromy, TL tested, authentic and original, acquired from Spain in 2006 from a European private collection.
Description from the seller
This pre-Columbian Mayan plate, dating from the classic period of the Mayan 600 to 900 A.D. is a magnificent example of the painted pottery of this civilization. Made of ceramic with traces of polychromy, the plate features a vibrant decoration with a central motif of a stylized bird, possibly a hummingbird or a macaw, two birds with a strong symbolic charge in the Mayan worldview.
The color palette, with reddish, orange and black tones, is characteristic of the pottery of the Mayan Lowlands, where some of the most refined ceramic productions were developed. This type of container, beyond its utilitarian function, was used in ritual and ceremonial contexts, and even in funerary offerings, which reinforces its cultural importance.
The bird motif in Mayan iconography is associated with the sun, rebirth and communication with the divine world, being common in codices and mural painting. This plate bears similarities to pieces found in archaeological sites such as Tikal, Uaxactún and Copán, where ceramics with similar decorative styles have been documented, reflecting the artistic mastery of the Mayans in the symbolic representation of their environment.
Provenance : European Private Collection acquired before 1980 with TL test from 2018 and Export License from Spain
Seller's Story
This pre-Columbian Mayan plate, dating from the classic period of the Mayan 600 to 900 A.D. is a magnificent example of the painted pottery of this civilization. Made of ceramic with traces of polychromy, the plate features a vibrant decoration with a central motif of a stylized bird, possibly a hummingbird or a macaw, two birds with a strong symbolic charge in the Mayan worldview.
The color palette, with reddish, orange and black tones, is characteristic of the pottery of the Mayan Lowlands, where some of the most refined ceramic productions were developed. This type of container, beyond its utilitarian function, was used in ritual and ceremonial contexts, and even in funerary offerings, which reinforces its cultural importance.
The bird motif in Mayan iconography is associated with the sun, rebirth and communication with the divine world, being common in codices and mural painting. This plate bears similarities to pieces found in archaeological sites such as Tikal, Uaxactún and Copán, where ceramics with similar decorative styles have been documented, reflecting the artistic mastery of the Mayans in the symbolic representation of their environment.
Provenance : European Private Collection acquired before 1980 with TL test from 2018 and Export License from Spain
Seller's Story
Details
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
