Seated Male with Deer Headdress

The portly male depicted in this figurine wears regalia distinctive but uncommon among Maya elites. In Maya art, individuals that wear deer headdresses most often include hunters, warriors, and ballplayers, all of which hold a special status due to their unique skills. The male portrayed in this figurine, however, does not possess the physique or adornments typical of such individuals (e.g., spears, war banners, ballgame gear). Instead, the male portrayed here may be a rare depiction of an ajk’uhuun (priest guardian) who would have been responsible for performing religious acts and scribal duties.