2-726-804 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Cylindrical Vessel with Palace Scene, 600-900. The scene here may commemorate a special event in the life of a Maya ruler, who stands on a stairway before his throne, his legs framed by a litter on the ground. His gesture and the jaguar pelt at the waist visually unify him with his attendants. The ruler perhaps used the vessel as a drinking cup on important occasions; fine ceramics also served as gifts and as offerings in tombs.