POTTERY VASE FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 23
The ovoid vase shown in plate [23] is 11 inches high by 61/2 inches in diameter at its widest part. It is of very fine pottery, with decorations in red, black, and reddish yellow on a background of light yellow. The outer surface is divided by double black lines into three zones. The uppermost and narrowest zone contains, between a broad red band above and two narrow black bands below, a row of 10 glyphs surrounding the edge of the vase. The middle zone, the broadest, contains upon one side (unfortunately the decoration upon the other side has been almost obliterated by time or wear) a human figure, in a crouching position, the right hand extended, the left resting upon the ground. The face is in profile, and around the left eye is seen the ornament usually associated with the representation of a god. This may be intended to represent Schellhas's God D of the Codices, known as the Roman-nosed God, probably Itzamna, as this peculiar eye ornament is often associated with him. The headdress is exceedingly elaborate, projecting far in front of and behind the head, and is decorated with plumes of feathers. The whole figure strongly suggests the bas-relief on the side of the door of the altar at Palenque, which is undoubtedly a representation of the god Itzamna. The curious eye ornaments, the construction of the elaborate headdress, the contour, of the face, and the platted objects hanging down in front of and behind the chest, from the neck, are similar in both. The lowest zone is decorated with vases having handles at the sides, narrow necks, and flaring rims from which project flame-like tongues; on the outer surface of each is depicted an "Ahau" sign. The vases alternate with curious objects which might represent bales of merchandise; the whole, indeed, closely resembles the tribute count of some Aztec city.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 24
The cylindrical vase shown in plate [24] is 6 inches in diameter by 11 inches high. It is divided into three zones, the uppermost of which contains a single row of hieroglyphics, in fair preservation, between a broad red band above and two narrow black bands below. The middle zone, by far the broadest, contains two very spirited representations of the Long-nosed God, one on each side of the vase, done in red, black, white, and dark yellow. The Long-nosed God, called by Schellhas in his "Representation of Deities of the Maya Manuscripts" God B, is usually identified with Cuculcan, the feathered serpent; the Aztec Quetzalcoatl. This god is usually represented with a long pendulous nose and one or two projecting tusks, and is almost in variably associated with the serpent. The head of the god is often held between the serpent's open jaws, or has added to it a serpentine body; again the god may be encircled by intertwining serpents, or may hold the reptile's body in his hand, like a wand. Though the serpentine attributes of the god are in this instance conspicuous by their absence, and the tapir attributes are emphasized, there can be little doubt that the painting is meant to represent God B, as the long pendulous nose and projecting tusks are highly characteristic of that god. The lowest and narrowest zone of this vase is covered with alternating red and black lines.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 64 PLATE 24.