Mayan Cylinder Vessel with a Palace Scene in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2018

Cylinder Vessel with Palace Scene,A.D. 600–800


Date: A.D. 600–800

Geography: Guatemala

Culture: Maya

Medium: Ceramic. pigment

Dimensions: H. 28 × Diam. 14.6 cm (11 × 5 3/4 in.)

Classification: Ceramics-Vessels

Credit Line: Princeton University Art Museum, Gift of Mary O’Boyle English in honor of Woodruff J. English and the Class of 1931 (y1986-91)


Painted Maya ceramics provide an intimate glimpse into courtly life. This drinking vessel records the presentation of luxury goods as tribute, possibly as spoils of war. Dressed in a feather cape and seated on a throne with a rounded white pillow, the principal lord receives a kneeling military chief, who crosses his arms in a gesture of submission. The chief arrives in a litter lined with jaguar pelts and offers stacked white cotton cloth, Spondylus shell, and two white bags, probably containing cacao.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/722258