The ancient Maya were a people of a distinct physical type, having high cheekbones and fleshy, hooked noses. With their heavy-lidded eyes, drooping lower lip, artificially deformed and lengthened foreheads, they epitomized the aristocratic beauty that was depicted in the art of the period. An exquisite example can be seen in this painted vase. On a brightly burnished background of buff, banded by orange, the talented Mayan artist has painted a striking ceremonial scene in the mural manner, a style that conforms handsomely with the smooth surface and vertical shape of the vessel. The depiction is of two priests clothed with elaborate headdresses that exaggerate and accentuate the facial features, and a distinctively patterned and plumed ceremonial garment. Separating the two priests who perform a sacred ritual are two sets of elegant calligraphic glyphs whose meaning is now lost in time. Are they the dates and constellations that mark this sacred ritual? Whatever they’re meaning, our imagination is invited to wander back in time as we experience the ancient mythical power and energy that this exquisite Mayan vase summons within us.