Mayan Deity/Shaman Rattle - PF.3263, Origin: Guatemala, Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Mayan, Medium: Terracotta. This magnificent clay sculpture of a standing man presents us with the precious clues of an Ancient culture that flourished more than a thousand years ago. Skillfully burnished, this sculpture has a rich, earthy color. The exquisite details depicted in this sculpture delight our eyes, while giving us clues about the significance of this person. He represents either a shaman, a magic man, an intermediary between our world and the spiritual world; or a deity, worshipped and adored as a god. In either case, he is a very important symbol in his community. This rattle was probably used in ceremonies of ritual worship for this person. Adorned with bodily decorations, this person is revealed as a deity. He wears a headdress made of a reptile-like animal. He also has ear spools, a necklace, and scarification. His bold face, with closed eyes and open mouth, reveals that he has a secret to keep. Every feature of this figure is skillfully and attentively sculpted. As we look upon this figure, we can feel the Ancient spirits and hands that sculpted it so lovingly.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico