Creative Commons License
Lidded Tripod Vase with Jaguar Head Finial
(Ancient Americas )
This lidded jar with tripod legs and a jaguar head as the knobbed handle of the jar was made as a luxury item. During a Maya nobleman or noblewoman’s life, it would have been used to serve hot chocolate as a beverage, and after death it would have been placed in their tomb. Its three rectangular legs point to a connection with the central Mexican city of Teotihuacan, which seems to have had trade and perhaps military interaction in the Maya area.
The jaguar on the lid is yet another reminder of the high status of the owner of this jar – “jaguar” was included in many titles and names of the Maya nobility.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Herbert L. Lucas, Los Angeles [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Private collection, June 1991 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 2008, by gift.
Measurements
H: 8 1/2 x W: 5 7/8 in. (21.6 x 14.9 cm)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift, 2008
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
48.2799