This is a two-part effigy vessel or censer originating from Guatemala in Central America. It s an ancient Mayan, El Petén piece created in the classic period (AD 400-500). It is made from terracotta with red, black and yellow paint. height 24.0 cm. Acquired in 1975 by Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection. UEA 624. These thin-walled effigy pots were fashioned to resemble stylized humans, plants, and animals. Two substyles of Chavín stirrup spout pots include the thicker-walls, glossy-on-matte blackware Cupisnique style and red and black Santa Ana style

The ancient belief that death was an after-life, in a more real sense than the modern world envisages life after death, is one for which everyone who is interested in the course of civilization must be eternally grateful. For were it not for the intimate evidences of civilization unearthed from ancient tombs, much that is now known about early peoples would be unknown. It would be impossible to say that the Chinese or the Egyptians, the Mexicans or the Peruvians, dressed in such and such a manner, or worshipped this or hunted that. But because the ancients looked upon their dead as leading an after-life very much like the life they had lived while moving about above the earth, they buried with them not only the cherished possessions that had been a part of their earthly existence, but more practical objects such as vessels for eating and drinking.

Read more about Effigy Vessels here

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.