| 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.
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Painted
modeled funerary urn
Classic highland Guatemala
The central face, with its patches
of jaguar skin on the forehead and large earflares, belongs to
Xbalanque, one of the Hero Twins of the Popul Vuh. The three skulls
on each side of the face emphasize the vessel's connection with
the Underworld.
HM546
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