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keywordPath%20%3D%20%22GYFO%22%20and%20Century%20%3D%20%228th%20Century%22
Ceramics
Tripod Plate with God N (Pauahtun)
Maya artist, (active )
Maya artist
Mexico
Primary
4 1/4 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. (10.8 x 40 x 40 cm)
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Clay
Clay
Maya; made in Campeche, Mexico
700-800 CE
700
800
ceramics, dishes, God N, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Ceramics
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]
1971.78
item
Memorial Art Gallery
2/3/2001
71.78SL1
slide
2 x 2
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negative
full
4 x 5
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glossy
full
8 x 10
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71.78DI1
digital image
2 x 2
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71.78DI2
digital image
top
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71.78DI3
digital image
front
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