Painting, particularly on ceramic vessels, was the primary art form among the Maya. This plate is representative of the “turkey vulture” pottery tradition, a regional style that was created for a broad audience and used almost exclusively in burials. The vessel’s interior is decorated with the Muan bird, the messenger of the lords of the underworld. The “kimi” glyph, or death sign, emanates from the bird’s head just above the beak. On the interior rim, two centipedes swim in the underworld’s black waters.

Large, black globular jar with a rounded base and a body that gradually tapers into a narrower mouth opening. The exterior of the vessel is decorated with incised designs of two supernatural deities, referred to as the Oculate Being, with large eyes and sausage-shaped mouths. Each figure holds a trophy head in one hand. A long tongue-like streamer emanates from each figure's mouth, and streamers emanate from their heads and bodies. Surrounding the figures are geometrical incised designs. Outlined designs are filled with resin paint in green, red, and yellow. The lower quarter of the vessel is undecorated.

Museum Expedition 1933, Purchased with funds given by Jesse Metcalf

Museum Expedition 1933, Purchased with funds given by Jesse Metcalf

Museum Expedition 1933, Purchased with funds given by Jesse Metcalf

On the North Coast of Peru, ancient Chimú fishermen plied the waters of the Pacific Ocean in reed boats to catch fish and shellfish, and hunt marine animals. On this finely modeled and highly polished blackware vessel, two fishermen are depicted wearing conical hats and holding oars. Contemporary fishermen in Peru still use this same type of boat, called a caballito de totora.

A. Augustus Healy Fund

Frank Sherman Benson Fund and the Henry L. Batterman Fund

A. Augustus Healy Fund