Mayan Polychrome Bowl, 600 CE - 900 CE
Terracotta
5.25 x 5.75
PF.3202
Further images
The moon along with the Milky Way and the fixed stars formed the canopy of the Mayan night sky. The moving planets, the procession of constellations and the erratic dance...
The moon along with the Milky Way and the fixed stars formed the canopy of the Mayan night sky. The moving planets, the procession of constellations and the erratic dance o the moon were seen as the manifestation of the normal activity of the gods. Tracking these movements was a critical function of Mayan religion. There are twelve circles encircling this bowl. I presume that this may signify the twelve moon cycles during a course of a year. The strikes of black paint forming the west - east and north - south directions differ in number of strikes and probably have significant symbolism. If we look carefully at this bowl, we can feel the infinite space of the night sky and the wonders of the Mayan Universe.