Painted incised cylindrical vase
Classic (?) Alta Verapaz
Although incised, this vase is said to be from the Chamá area, an identification supported by the chevron band at the base. Two Death’s head skulls are separated by long bones. A band with repeated glyphs encircles the rim.
HM1185
THE UNDERWORLD
Iconographers (symbolism experts) have interpreted many images on ceramics as being scenes related to the Postclassic Popol Vuh, or “Council Book,” of the highland Quiché Maya. Although separated from Classic Maya scribes by 500 years, the story line of the Popol Vuh corresponds well to the images on ceramics. Many of the ceramics most convincingly associated with the story were produced near the southern highland site of Chamá, in the Chixoy drainage, during the late 7th to early 8th centuries. Black-and-white chevron designs at the rim and base characterize polychrome Chamá ceramics. Texts on Chamá ceramics tend to be short and to contain false glyphs called “pseudoglyphs”. This may mean that they were produced by only partially literate artisans or for more than just the elite segment of society. Chamá was located near the traditional entrance to the Underworld.