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World-Class Maya Cormorant Throne Panel W/ Pre-1970 UNESCO-Compliant Provenance

About the Item

This World-Class sculpted stone panel is an example of the pinnacle of Maya stone carving. It depicts the head of a cormorant in profile, with a long hooked beak, curved tongue, large central eye, clouds above, spiraling watery elements below, and deeply carved feathers on the back of the head The cormorant is a large and powerful bird( See the image of a cormorant in the photo section) that was particularly noted because of its astounding skill at diving deeply below the waves, referencing its mythological ability to connect to the Watery Realms of the Underworld. It was associated with Maya kingship, since it was considered to be a master of the three Realms which are depicted here; the spiral and wave-like elements represent the watery realm of the underworld, the earthly realm is represented by the cormorant itself and its feathers, and the heavenly realm by the three clouds above. You find cormorants depicted on many important painted and molded vessels. Maya kings identified with the cormorant because they wanted to reinforce the idea that they also were Masters of the Three Realms. The panel has holes in the top two corners for suspension which are worn down from hanging. It is impossible to prove that it was attached to a throne, but it was certainly connected to the court of a king, because only a king would have been able to utilize a sculptor of this skill. The carving is world class. Note the masterful placement of all the elements in such a limited space, the flowing lines of the water and the depth of the feathers on a piece that is only 2" deep. Provenance - This Comes from an early Los Angeles collection, and was acquired before 1970. Authentication - By the noted Pre-Columbian Scholar Hasso von Winning. (See his attached paper, dated Oct. 14, 1969.) Note - There is a small old price sticker still attached to the back.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Pre-Columbian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    early Classic Period, Ca 300 A.D.
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition with no breaks or restoration.
  • Seller Location:
    Culver City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8673238818692

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