Pre-Columbian Maya pottery seated figure, Guatemala, ca. 600–900 CE. Depicting an elite female figure seated with hands resting upon her knees, adorned with an elaborate headdress featuring crossed elements and large ear ornaments. Traces of original red pigment remain visible across the forehead, while the figure retains a strong sculptural presence with softly modeled facial features and extensive ceremonial adornment. The reverse is hollow-formed with vent holes typical of Maya ceramic sculpture from the Late Classic period.

The figure exhibits a beautiful earthen surface with mineral deposits and light burial encrustation throughout, enhancing its authenticity and age. An impressive example of Maya figural pottery displaying both ceremonial costume and refined artistic execution.

Height: 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex  Vogt Auction Galleries, Texas; Estate of Douglas Rhodenbaugh, Austin, Texas. Rhodenbaugh was a noted educator, collector, and humanitarian who spent decades traveling throughout Latin America assembling a significant collection of folk and Pre-Columbian art.