Preclassic Sculpture from Kaminaljuyu and the Pacific Coast
Archaic (9000 B.C.- 150 B.C.) - Preclassic (1500 B.C. - 250 A.D.)
During the late Preclassic a rich sculpture tradition developed in the southern part of Guatemala. One of the principal production centers was Kaminaljuyu, a grand site located in modern-day Guatemala City. Many of the sculptures in our exhibit were found only a few kilometers away during the construction of the urban centers that have destroyed much of this site. Among the monuments are the "pot-belly" sculptures, representing obese figures possibly a fat god. Equally interesting are the "mushroom stones" decorated with images of animals and human beings, their function remains a mystery. Some of the oldest known hieroglyphic texts from Guatemala are found on Preclassic sculpture from Kaminaljuyu and the southern coast.
|
"Pot-belly" figure
Kaminaljuyu
Late Preclassic (300 B.C.- 200 A.C.)
Characteristics of the "pot-belly" genre are the closed eyes, mouth in a blowing position and naked body. This one is interesting due to the headdress and pectoral.
Height 39 cm; Width 25 cm. |
|
|
Silhouette
Kaminaljuyu
Late Preclassic (300 B.C.- 200 A.C.)
Silhouettes are a peculiar Preclassic sculpture genre frequently found in Kaminaljuyu.
Height 45 cm; Width 33 cm |
|
|
Jaguar with vertical pedestal
Guatemala southern coast or highlands
Late Preclassic (300 B.C.- 200 A.C.)
A seated jaguar with a maize husk on his head is one of the most common themes found on vertical pedestal sculptures.
Height including pedestal 92.5 cm; Width 17 cm. |
|
|
Mushroom Stone
Guatemala southern coast or highlands
Late Preclassic (300 B.C.- 200 A.C.)
This mushroom stone depicts a figure seated on a bench or throne.
Height 36.5 cm; Width 17 cm. |
|
|
