Maya Pottery Monkey Figure

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, ca. 600–900 CE
Terracotta, height 4 ¾ in (12 cm)**

Charming hand-modeled terracotta figure representing a monkey, shown seated with one arm bent toward the mouth in a thoughtful or animated gesture. The facial features—broad nose, rounded cheeks, and pronounced brows—capture the lively expression typical of Maya depictions of monkeys. The figure wears large circular earspools, and a sinuous tail curves up along the back, rendered with remarkable fluidity.

Monkeys held profound symbolic meaning within Maya culture, associated with creativity, music, writing, and performance, and were linked to the divine scribes known from the Popol Vuh. Figurines of this type are thought to have served as household or funerary offerings, invoking fertility and artistic inspiration.

The piece exhibits a warm reddish surface with areas of mineral accretion and excellent preservation.

Condition: Intact with minor surface wear consistent with age; no restorations noted.

Provenance: Ex. Private Austin, Texas collection acquired through family descent, collected in the 60's.