Jaina Standing Nobleman

André Emmerich, New York (inv. no. M-10)

Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, Utica, New York, acquired from the above on June 13, 1968 (acc. no. 68.32)   

Assen and Christine Nicolov, Seattle, acquired from the above after May 22, 2000

Thence by descent to the present owner

Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, Utica, New York, August, 1972, and November, 1986 - May, 1988

This tall nobleman bears a pensive yet regal expression, his face is distinguished by the large cheek plaques and the fine scrolling tattoos on his brow. Wearing a simple sashed loincloth, the impressive headdress incorporates a fillet headband securing the bundle of five tall looped and trailing thick textiles. An oval, deer-ear like attachment projects on one side, a spiked perimeter trims one of the trailing ropes attached to the right shoulder. Remains of pale Maya blue pigment remain. 

Jaina figurines portray the wide assortment of players in the Maya court. The fine details of their clothing, jewelry, headdresses and especially their posture and facial expressions, give a vivid window to these accomplished figures of noblemen, courtiers, jesters, warriors, dwarves, merchants, priests and regal female attendants. Made by hand-modeling and molds, the figures were initially associated with Jaina Island but have been found throughout the Maya region. They were both sacred sculptures for the afterlife and very likely traded between regions.

Cf. For various types of Jaina figures, see Mary Miller, Simon Martin, Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya, San Francisco, 2004, pp. 37-42, 47, and 196-97.