Vasija Efigie

The archaeological ruins of Uaxactun, located at 23 Km north of Tikal, is one of the oldest capital cities whose greatest peak was during the decline of the Classic period, although there is evidence of occupation since mid-Preclassic until the Postclassic, but with interruptions. Among the most remarkable buildings there is the E-VII-B structure, an observatory for astronomical calculations.From this important place is the winkle-shape vessel from whose interior comes out a little being with an old face. This piece contrasts with the intense orange and shiny, polished surface with the red, matt finish of the little character. The elderly man shows a smile and both palms facing upwards.A character coming out of a winkle was also represented in a jamb from Cacaxtla in which the figure has red hair. Mayans associated the shells with the Earth, Underworld and death, but they were also thought as symbols of life, birth and water, elements related to Quetzalcoatl in his advocation of Ehecatl. The individuals showing elderly features most likely represent the God N associated to Bacabes and to Pawahtunes. Vessels with similar shape correspond to the Tepeu I ceramics produced in the 7th century in Uaxactun.Dra. Federica Sodi MirandaColaboradores: Arqlgo. Hugo Herrera Torres Araceli Ruiz Peláez Mtro. Hugo García Capistran.