A frieze of six stylized turkeys, a staple of the
Mayan diet, marches around the interior rim of
this bowl. Painted with red tails and necks, they
hold a black object in their mouths that appears
to represent a worm. A black ring, surrounding
the red center of the bowl, frames the lower
boundary of this turkey frieze. A ring of black
dots encircles the upper half. A diagonal mesh
pattern fills the space between the dots and the
red rim of the vessel. A row of numerous
miniature turkeys adorns the exterior body of
the bowl. Underneath this frieze is the same
mesh pattern above black-filled circles seen on
the interior. Clearly, this bird has a symbolic
significance, perhaps sacrificial or ritualistic,
directly related to this vessel. Discovered in a
tomb, buried alongside a fallen ruler or
important dignitary, this bowl was as essential
for the afterlife as it no doubt was in this world.
- (PF.5657)
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