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.

 
Painted, incised and modeled cylindrical vase
Late Classic Alta Verapaz (?)

Two panels contain identical figures resembling Insect God B of the Underworld. They have large god eyes, open mouths with prominent teeth, snouts resembling insect proboscises, god markings representing mirrors on the arms, circular ear ornaments with long flap-like extensions on the back and crosshatched headdresses with long extensions from which quetzal feathers hang. Each carries a glyph in his hand. The two glyph columns are executed in a squared-off style.

ROLL-OUT VIEW OF VASE

HM1190