Classic Period, the era of peak Maya artistic and cultural achievement (c. 250-900 AD).
Depicting many different gods including God K coming out of his shell. There is also the moon god depicted. This is the core of the iconographic interpretation, and we'll look for these figures. Codex-style by nature, means it illustrates narratives similar to those found in the surviving Maya books.
Unrestored condition. With a few pieces reattached by glue. The cracks are not filled and there is a small section at the top of the rim that appears to be chewed off by some rodent. This detail about its preservation is important for connoisseurship but doesn't alter the symbolic meaning, only our ability to perfectly see some areas.
Size: 6 1/4" tall x 5 1/4" wide. Standard size for these types of vessels.
Provenance: Collected pre 1960. Ex Mike Teager collection until 2025; Ex. Smiths family Florida estate until 2020, Ex. Japanese private collection until 1969." A strong and well-documented provenance is crucial for authenticating ancient artifacts.
Symbolic Depictions
Top Row: This band almost certainly represents the **Primary Standard Sequence (PSS)**, as seen on many Maya codex-style vessels. As discussed previously, the PSS typically functions as a dedication text, identifying the vessel as a drinking cup, its contents (often cacao), and the owner. Even if undeciphered by us, its presence is highly significant, indicating its ceremonial function and elite context.
Main Body: Depiction of Gods and a Mythological Narrative; The main body of the vessel features several figures against an orange background, outlined in black, with white and light orange details.
God K (K'awiil/Kawil): In 16780.jpg and 16780a.jpg, we clearly see a figure with a distinct head, holding an object. Your description states "God K coming out of his shell." God K, or K'awiil, is characterized by a prominent smoking celt (axe or blade) or torch emerging from his forehead, and often a single, long, reptilian leg that transforms into a serpent or emerges from a conch shell (representing the umbilical cord and creation). He is a god of lightning, serpents, sustenance, and royal lineage.
The figure indeed has a stylized head, and appears to be holding a staff or implement. While the "shell" aspect isn't perfectly clear as a literal shell, his contorted, emerging posture and the general context of Maya mythology strongly support this identification. The object he holds resembles a staff with a foot-like or clawed end, which is consistent with depictions of K'awiil. He often appears in scenes related to dynastic succession and the "enthronement" of new rulers.
A Death God (God A) or other Underworld Deites: The Lords of Xibalba (Hun-Came, Vucub-Came), various manifestations of the Death God (God A, God A'), and other frightening entities (Wayob). Many Maya underworld deities are depicted with skeletal features, dark bodies, and elaborate headdresses or elements representing decay. The somewhat bulbous eyes and overall dark appearance could align with certain portrayals of Death Gods (e.g., God A or God A'). They also often hold ceremonial objects.
The presence of God K and the Moon God (or his associated rabbit) suggests a complex mythological scene. God K's emergence often symbolizes creation, the birth of a deity, or the manifestation of divine power, particularly related to royal authority. The Moon God and rabbit could tie into themes of fertility, the lunar cycle, or agricultural abundance.
This vessel tells you the story of Mayan mythology from the codex: This implies a specific narrative, likely from the Popol Vuh or other creation/hero myths. For example, the interaction between different deities in the creation of the world, or the journey of the Hero Twins through the underworld. Without further specific information or a clearer view of all figures, it's hard to pin down the exact "story," but it clearly belongs to the Maya mythological tradition. The figures are dynamic, suggesting movement and interaction within a narrative. The overall composition would have been a continuous scene wrapped around the cylinder, typical of codex-style vessels.
The use of a warm orange background with black outlines and white/light orange infill is characteristic of the Late Classic period, particularly for vessels from the Petén region (e.g., Nakbé, Holmul, Naranjo, Tikal). The figures are rendered with expressive faces and postures, highlighting the skilled artistry of the Maya painter.
In conclusion, this Maya cylinder vessel is a compelling example of elite funerary or ceremonial art, depicting a complex mythological narrative featuring key deities such as God K (K'awiil), likely in a scene of his emergence or manifestation, and other Underworld deities make it a Wayob scene consistent with Maya religion. The presence of the Primary Standard Sequence further emphasizes its ritual function and royal associations. Despite its unrestored condition, it remains a powerful artifact that vividly illustrates the rich cosmology of the Classic Maya.
