This drinking vase exemplifies the sophisticated polychrome ceramic tradition of the Ik’ polity, a Classic Maya political center likely based at the site of Motul de San José, Guatemala. The interrelated workshops that produced Ik’-style pottery developed a vibrant palette of purples, pinks, reds, and oranges to paint historic events and people with striking realism and depth. Though there is debate regarding where this vessel was produced, its style fits squarely within the Ik’ tradition. It was either made in an affiliated workshop or by an artist intimately familiar with its aesthetic program and techniques.
The vase depicts a coming-of-age ceremony held in honor of K’awiil Chan K’inich, a young lord of either Dos Pilas or Tikal. He sits cross-legged atop a pink throne, bedecked in a headdress of verdant quetzal feathers, his neck and limbs laden with jade jewelry. An artist, adorned with a Spondylus shell palette pendant and a paintbrush in his headwrap, sits facing the young lord; another attendant, bouquet of flowers in hand, stands behind the artist. The three figures share a banquet of food and drink. To the right of the lord’s headdress, a rare artist signature names Akan Suutz’ as the painter of the scene.
Alyce de Carteret
2024
