https://emuseum.gardinermuseum.com/internal/media/dispatcher/17517/fullTripod vase with incised motifs350-450Maya artist(s)Overall: 21 x 20.7 x 20.7 cm (8 1/4 x 8 1/8 x 8 1/8 in.)Earthenware with slip, cinnabar, and stuccoGift of George and Helen GardinerOrigin: Rio Azul, Northeastern Petén, GuatemalaG83.1.1321Maya carved black ware cylindrical tripod vase with Teotihuacam influence, Early Classic period. Four carved and incised diagonal bands rubbed with original red cinnabar on the side of the vessel represent the Bearded Dragon, basically a reptilian monster with a supraorbital plate, upturned spout, prominent fangs, and a beard. There are four distinct iconographic forms of the Bearded Dragon on this vessel, each band represents one form. The four representations indicate the four cardinal directions of the world. Also the Bearded Dragon is the same creature who appears on the so-called Ceremonial Bar of Maya stelae, held by rulers as a royal symbol. Original mint green stucco band at the rim and base of vessel. The feet are hollow and round and contain rattles. There are similar rattles on the sides of the vase. An incised chevron band near the base completes the object.MesoamericaCeramics from Ancestral Abiayala[]Ancestral AbiayalaMesoamerica184702403MayaEarly Classic Period (250/300-600 CE)