Maya Polychrome Vessel

John Fulling, Pompano Beach

Emile Deletaille, Brussels, acquired from the above on June 4, 1976

Thence by descent

The cylindrical vase covered overall in a syncopated crosshatched pattern emulating basketry or most probably textile weave, separated by diagonal panels containing repeated pseudo-glyphs as well as encircling the rim and the base.

Mayan textiles were a form of Maya art and were very significant to their religion, culture, and social status. For the Classic Maya, clothing defined an individual’s identity from their political position, to their trade, to their gender and as with many ancient cultures there were strict sumptuary rules of dressing which separated the common people from the elite classes.

Additionally fabric was used for tax payments, diplomatic gifts, as war tribute paid to overlords and also as feasting gifts among the high-ranking elite.