A Pre-Columbian Maya Miniature Vessel in Erie, Pennsylvania For Sale

View images at: $85 A Pre-Columbian Maya Miniature Vessel
Circa 600 A.D. €“ 900 A.D. This miniature Maya vessel measures approximately 2 € wide by about 2 € tall. Diminutive vessels of this general size and type were typically used for storing Cinnabar (Mercury Sulfide), a substance that was highly prized and symbolically important to the ancient Maya. Cinnabar was used for ritual, ceremonial and decorative purposes due to its vibrant red color. This example itself was decorated in red pigment, and exhibits a wonderful, fruit or vegetable form with lobed shaping to the body and tiny handles perforated for suspension or tying a stopper in place at the opening. Intact with no restoration and no repair. Only very minor abrasions, wear and weathering overall, with ample mineral and sediment deposits remaining inside and out. Provenance