Relief

The classic era of Mayan culture developed in the tropical forests of Guatemala and Yucatán from the 2nd century onwards and lasted until around 900 CE. It was fragmented in a series of dominions. The small group of the ruling elite lived in luxury, whereas the masses subsisted, eking out an extremely simple existence as farmers. The richly decorated male figure in the relief sits with his legs crossed, leaning to the right, as if in conversation. It appears animatedly relaxed, yet majestic. Its hands are resting on its thighs, an apron with feather appliqué across its lap. The neck and arms are adorned with pearls in multiple rows, and a bar-shaped pektoral on its chest. The face depicts the characteristic Maya physiognomy: receding forehead, long nose, almond-shaped eyes. A typical feature of classical representations is the alternation between the profile of the head and the frontal aspect of the body. The large headdress is formed by a kind of mask from which long feathers, probably those of a quetzal, are hanging down. The museum's inventory log notes that it is a representation of a priest. The attributes, however, point to a ruler or nobleman of very high rank and show his ritual connection to supernatural powers. Saw marks on the sides and the upper edge suggest that the object was probably removed from a larger relief complex (e.g. stele or temple wall panel). Iconographic comparisons place the piece in the late classical period (600-900 CE). According to the vendor Robert L. Stolper, it comes from Yaxchilán. However, various experts cast doubt on this, believing that it is more likely to come from El Cayo or one of the smaller towns between Yaxchilán and Piedras-Negras in the area of the Rio Usumacinta (the river that constitutes the border between Mexico and Guatemala). Author: Eva Gerhards, Translation: Timothy Connell