Pre-Columbian Maya pottery seated female figure, Guatemala, ca. 600–900 CE. Finely modeled kneeling figure depicted with hands resting upon the knees, adorned with an elaborate tiered headdress, large circular ear ornaments, necklace, and bracelets. The face displays the refined almond-shaped eyes and serene expression characteristic of Late Classic Maya ceramic sculpture. The figure is hollow-formed with vent holes visible at the reverse and retains an attractive earthen surface with areas of mineral deposits and burial accretions throughout.

The sculptural quality and balanced proportions give the figure a strong ceremonial presence, while the elaborate headdress and jewelry likely denote elite or noble status. Examples of this type were often associated with ritual or funerary contexts within the Maya region of Guatemala.

Height: 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm).

Provenance: Ex Vogt Galleries, Texas; Estate of Douglas Rhodenbaugh, Austin, Texas.