A MAYAN STUCCO HEAD OF GOD L

LATE CLASSIC, CA. A.D. 550-950

Details

A MAYAN STUCCO HEAD OF GOD L
Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950
The strongly expressive representation of the wizened visage of God L with jutting chin, high cheekbones, deeply sunken eyes under heavy lids with thin, slightly parted toothless mouth, further marked by furrows, wearing the remains of a net headdress and large decorative earspools; a long tenon extending from the back, with remains of rose colored pigment.
Height 9 1/2 in. (24 cm.)

Lot Essay

Cf. Courtly Art of the Maya, pl.91.

God L is a common figure in Maya myths viewed as a deity of death, associated with war and conflict, but possessing multiple features which allowed him to act as the God of merchants and trade.

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