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Tripod Plate with God N (Pauahtun)
700-800 CEPrecolumbian
4 1/4 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. (10.8 x 40 x 40 cm)
Maya artist
Mexico
Maya; made in Campeche, Mexico
Object Type:
Ceramics
Medium and Support:
Clay, pigments
Credit Line:
Marion Stratton Gould Fund
Accession Number:
1971.78
Location: Currently on view
Many Maya ceramics depict deities connected with death and the Underworld. This is no surprise as such ceramics were destined as offerings to accompany the ancient Maya elite to their tombs.
The theme of this tripod plate is God N or Pauahtun, one of the principal gods of the Underworld. God N is represented as an old man with toothless gums and a large, Roman nose. A common attribute is his enormous snail shell from which he crawls. A long necklace, likely made of valuable green stone hangs from his neck. The power of this Underworld lord is revealed by the “rulership” glyph (Maya writing) attached to the top of the shell. Stylized smoke is emitted by both this glyph and the shell’s spire. Not much is known about the language of Maya hand gestures, but the position of God N’s hands suggest that he is receiving homage in his palace.
A representation of God N can also be found on the large stone stela in the gallery's collection from Oxkintok, Mexico (accession number 67.30).
[Gallery label text, 2009]
The theme of this tripod plate is God N or Pauahtun, one of the principal gods of the Underworld. God N is represented as an old man with toothless gums and a large, Roman nose. A common attribute is his enormous snail shell from which he crawls. A long necklace, likely made of valuable green stone hangs from his neck. The power of this Underworld lord is revealed by the “rulership” glyph (Maya writing) attached to the top of the shell. Stylized smoke is emitted by both this glyph and the shell’s spire. Not much is known about the language of Maya hand gestures, but the position of God N’s hands suggest that he is receiving homage in his palace.
A representation of God N can also be found on the large stone stela in the gallery's collection from Oxkintok, Mexico (accession number 67.30).
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Provenance
Intermercado Limitado, San Jose and Dallas (dealers?); purchased from them by the Gallery in 1971
Keywords
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Additional Images
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Harris K. Prior Memorial Exhibition 4/2/1976 - 5/2/1976
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Author: Coe, Michael D.. Article Title: The Maya God N in the Memorial Art Gallery. Article Scope: Article and reproduction. Porticus. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery Volume Number: 4 Issue Date: 1981. Page Number: 9-13, Figure Number: 1, p.9; Fig. 2, p. 10 (interior view)
- Article Scope: Mention. Elizabeth Brayer. Magnum Opus: The Story of the Memorial Art Gallery, 1913-1988. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery, 1988.
Portfolio List
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