{"product_id":"exceptional-pair-of-early-classic-maya-priest-figures-ex-sothebys","title":"Exceptional Pair of Early Classic Maya Priest Figures - Ex Sotheby's","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Pair of Early Classic Maya Priest Figures — Escuintla Region, Southern Guatemala (Teotihuacan \/ Tlaloc Influence) 18\" \u0026amp; 17 3\/4\" in height.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn extraordinary and museum-level pair of Pre-Columbian Maya priest figures from the Escuintla region on Guatemala’s Pacific Slope, dating to the Early Classic period (ca. A.D. 250–550). Sculpted in the round and conceived as companion figures, they stand in formal frontal pose with hollow bodies, open backs, and ritual hand positions, suggesting use as effigy vessels or ceremonial objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach figure wears an elaborate high cylindrical headdress surmounted by a powerful Tlaloc-type visage — with goggle eyes, fanged mouth, and projecting elements — unmistakably reflecting strong Teotihuacan influence during the period of intense interaction between Central Mexico and the Maya world. Such iconography is emblematic of the international prestige network of the Early Classic era, when Teotihuacan symbolism spread across Mesoamerica.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe figures display richly modeled facial features with heavy-lidded eyes, prominent noses, parted lips, and large ear ornaments. They are adorned with beaded necklaces, chest pendants, armlets, and layered garments, conveying high status — likely elite ritual specialists or priests. Their downward-turned palms appear to be in a gesture associated with offering, invocation, or ceremonial presentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemnants of original pigmentation remain, particularly deep orange-red tones contrasted with darker surfaces, enhancing the sculptural depth and presence. The headdresses, jewelry, and body adornments are rendered with remarkable detail and symmetry, reinforcing the intentional pairing of the two figures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCulture: Maya, Pacific Slope (Escuintla region), Southern Guatemala\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod: Early Classic, ca. A.D. 250–550\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Ceramic with traces of pigment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eForm: Hollow effigy vessels \/ ritual figures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Intact with expected ancient wear; professionally conserved\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance: Published in Sotheby’s Pre-Columbian Art, New York, May 17, 1985\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52839967326505,"sku":null,"price":55000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-1610.50.33.png?v=1773672689","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/products\/exceptional-pair-of-early-classic-maya-priest-figures-ex-sothebys","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}