Pre-Columbian Maya copador bowl

A Pre-Columbian Maya Polychrome Copador Bowl, Late Classic Period, Circa 600-900 AD

This beautifully crafted Maya Copador bowl, originating from the Late Classic Period (600-900 AD), showcases the signature traits of the Copador style, a fusion of Maya and southeastern Mesoamerican artistic traditions. The bowl features a deep, rounded form, with a red-slip rim and intricate polychrome decoration rendered in red, black, and cream tones. These vibrant designs are painted over a finely smoothed terracotta surface, characteristic of elite ceremonial pottery.

The central motif on the bowl’s interior depicts a circular medallion surrounded by stylized turkeys. The exterior is adorned with a procession of seated chiefs, portrayed in profile, wearing elaborate headdresses and garments, emphasizing their high status and ceremonial roles. 

The bold, symmetrical patterns and highly stylized figures are hallmarks of the Copador tradition, which was widely used in trade and ceremonial contexts. Bowls of this type were likely utilized during feasts, ritual offerings, or as prestigious trade goods, reflecting their dual practical and symbolic purposes.

This exceptional Copador bowl is a testament to the cultural exchange and artistic mastery of the Late Classic Maya, embodying their intricate visual storytelling and ceremonial traditions. 3 1/8" in height x 8 3/8" in diameter.