It is impossible to overestimate the importance ritual and ceremony had on Maya society. To perform a sacred rite was the re-enactment of procedure and method in an exact sequence choreographed precisely as an exquisite dance. Music, language and art played a crucial role in presenting a visual and audible structure within which the gods could communicate with mortals; and if successful, everyone could experience a transcendent moment of reality. This principal applies to any context where ritual is precisely followed, including matters that touch only one individual at a time. The joy of discovering such gems as this lovely flask is that it brings us into direct contact with an esoteric symbolism that is, nonetheless, very human and exciting.
Known as poison bottles, a flask such as this one may have contained powdered pigments, possibly cinnabar, or other materials such as copal incense. If so, then it might have belonged to a Known as poison bottles, a flask such as this one may have contained powdered pigments, possibly cinnabar, or other materials such as copal incense. If so, then it might have belonged to a painter. In fact, its size and shape is quite similar to containers of copal oil used by artists today. painter. In fact, its size and shape is quite similar to containers of copal oil used by artists today.