A Maya Dancing Figure, Jaina, Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

with remains of an implement in the left hand as he leans toward the gesturing right arm, the sculpted face with fine tattooing on the flattened forehead, the mustached upper lip with a bead and showing extended nosebridge, with remains of plumed ornaments on the arms and with small crescentic feather headdress secured by bands. 

Some highly animated Jaina figures represent prisoners, but the depictions on polychrome vessels of the way, or companion figures, are shown as lively and mischievous spirits (Miller and Martin 2004: pl. 88). Jaina figures can portray events from the Popul Vuh; this dancing figure captures the essence of the noisy frolicking of the Hero Twins in Xibalba.