Mayan Sculpture of a Turtle, 500 CE - 900 CE
Granite
5 x 3 x 9
PF.4841
Further images
From evidence left to us, it seems Ancient Belize sculptors devoted much of their energies to figural works in stone as funerary accouterments. Their skills in depicting animals however were...
From evidence left to us, it seems Ancient Belize sculptors devoted much of their energies to figural works in stone as funerary accouterments. Their skills in depicting animals however were remarkable, and this very fine turtle is an excellent example of such artistry. The carapace is carefully modeled with the characteristic hexagonal shapes, at front it curves upwards, and at rear an indentation shows the separation between body and shell. Delicate flippers seem life-like, as does the head with its expressive eyes and mouth slightly open as if about to bite into a juicy leaf. The stone is quite soft to the touch, its mottled surface amazingly like that of a turtle. This turtle's realism comes not only from cleverly sculpting, but also from a love of the animal itself. L. 22.8cm(9IN)