#mayan artifacts

[shampaincoast]

Mayan croc vessel, Mexico AD 300-600, Los Angeles Country Museum of Art

[blueiscoool]

Ancient Mayan Nose Ring Made of Human Bone Found in Mexican

More than a thousand years ago, a priest in Mexico donned a bone nose ornament and conducted a ceremony in honor of K’awiil, the Mayan god associated with maize and fertility.

At least that’s what experts believe happened after they discovered a nose ring made from human bone at the Archaeological Zone of Palenque in Chiapas, according to an Aug. 29 news release from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. It’s the first find of its kind from the site.

Experts described the artifact as “una nariguera,” which translates to a nose ring in English. However, photos of the object show that it was more like an ornament that sat atop the wearer’s nose.

The 2.5-inch-long and 2-inch-wide adornment is made of a human tibia (leg) bone, archaeologists said. It was likely used by elites, specifically rulers and priests, in attempts to personify their god, K’awiil.

Experts said the bone artifact is engraved with a depiction of a man in a headdress and ornate jewelry. His left arm has the Mayan glyph “ak’ab’,” which means darkness or night. He is holding a long thin object, and beneath him is a human skull and long bones placed on a bundle of cloth.

The depiction in the bone expresses communication with gods and ancestors, according to experts.

The nose piece was unearthed from a ritual deposit buried between 600 and 850, archaeologists said. The deposit commemorated the building of a new structure, known as House C, at a palace.

Officials said they also found animal bones, obsidian blades and charcoal in the deposit.

Chiapas is in southeastern Mexico.

[galeriacontici]

Erect Phallic imagery was crucial in Moche’s art and symbolism, carrying deep cultural and religious significance. Integrating a human flutist element within the phallus conveys multiple layers of meaning. The flute is often associated with fertility and agricultural rituals, suggesting its use in ceremonies intended to invoke prosperity and divine favor. The depiction underscores the Moche’s sophisticated understanding of the interconnectedness of music, fertility, and spiritual well-being. Music, an integral part of Moche ceremonies, was believed to enhance ritual potency and communicate with the divine. The stature of an erect penis and large testicles further emphasize fertility and potency, making this artifact a powerful symbol within Moche cultural and religious practices.

[simplyghosting]

Dad, away visiting his mom, texting family: Here’s a photo of the sundial my grandparents had. Not sure how it’s supposed to work. My mom is giving it to us.

*photo*

Me: …

Me: ..mm.. ah.

Me: Quick check have their been any unexplained curse symptoms in the family? No reason for asking.

[archivalnerddel]

Ever wonder about early calculations in mapping the galaxy? This here is one of these first written records of interstellar astrophysics. This is panel 50 of the Dresden Codex, from the planet Yucatán. This describes some of the early accounts of remote probes coming back from space, known to the Yucatánian as the Outerworld.

Fun fact about the Yucatán people: they used a base 20 numerical system, which is a very different mathematical formula than the Universal base 10 which originated from the Arabian star cluster

Learn more about the Dresden Codex with our archive here

[spice-hill]

Tripod Jar

300-600 CE

Ceramic and Resin Paint

Maya culture

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Mortuary offerings were placed in the tombs of Mayan noblemen to assist the deceased in their passage to the watery underworld. Funerary objects such as this were often decorated with symbols of water, marine vegetation, and animals. The painted body and lid of this vessel depict white water lilies floating against a green blue background; the water lily was seen as a plant that connects the underworld of water to the air of our world above. The petals of the lilies enclose red hieroglyphic signs, which allude to illustrious rulers and their titles. The carved areas, colored red, feature a complex array of interlocking scrolls that also symbolize water.

Located at The Detroit Institute of Art

[seashorepics]

Day 29: Guatemalan Wooden Masks: Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Cultural Inspiration

— Introduction Guatemalan wooden masks are vibrant artifacts that embody the culture, history, and artistic expression of the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, these masks have served many purposes in religious rituals, celebrations, and storytelling, providing an intimate glimpse into the cultural identity of Guatemala. Whether used in traditional dances or…

[artcentron]

Taíno Civilization Is A Hidden Gem in Pre-Columbian History

Embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of the Taíno Civilization, a concealed marvel in Caribbean history, and delve into their artistry, legacy, and cultural influence.

Taíno Civilization and Cultural Artifacts: Taíno Celt, Depicting ‘Bird-Man’ Motif, AD 1300 – AD 1400 Serpentine-23.6 x 17.2 x 4.5 cm. Image: Barakat Gallery Embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of the Taíno civilization and art at Barakat Gallery. Experience the concealed marvels in Caribbean history and delve into their artistry, legacy, and cultural influence. BY ALEX TOWNASTALLI,…

[fullslack]

Ritual Mask, Teotihuacan (c. 450-650 CE)

Standing Dignitary, Jaina (c. 550-950 CE)

[codexofforbiddenknowledge]

The Crystal Skulls—one of the greatest archaeological mysteries or the biggest hoax ever? 🔮 Some say these skulls were created by ancient civilizations and hold supernatural energy, while others believe they were made much more recently. Do they unlock hidden wisdom, or are they just a well-crafted myth?

[mikeylivesattheend]

[archivist-crow]

If only it hadn’t been removed from the original packaging.

1,500-year-old Ceramic Maya Figurine with Removable Helmet, from El Perú-Waka', Petén, Guatemala.

[blueiscoool]

Ancient Mayan Reliefs Depicting Celestial Ancestors Discovered in Mexico

New discoveries in the Mayan region were unearthed by the National Institute of Archeology and History.

The findings, from the Kaanu'l dynasty, were discovered in the Archaeological Zone of Dzibanché.

[galeriacontici]

Pre-Columbian civilizations across the Americas developed various adhesives used in everyday applications and ceremonial contexts. These adhesives were crafted from natural materials, such as plant resins, tree gums, and animal-based glues, with their use spanning numerous cultural groups, including the Maya, Aztec, Inca, and Moche. By understanding the properties of their surrounding environment, these cultures could create adhesives suitable for tool-making, repairing objects, crafting jewelry, and producing artwork.

This article will focus on the adhesives used by these ancient cultures, how they were made, and the specific applications seen in archaeological findings.

Moche Wood Scepter c. 400-800 AD. closeup view

Moche wood scepter w/ inlaid Shell and Stones

Materials Used in Pre-Columbian Adhesives

Pre-Columbian adhesives were primarily sourced from plant resins, tree gums, and animal derivatives. Each civilization developed unique techniques to harvest and process these natural materials to suit their environmental and cultural needs.

Plant Resins and Tree Gums

Plant resin was one of pre-Columbian cultures’ most widely used adhesive materials. Resins such as copal, commonly used by the Maya and other Mesoamerican civilizations, were derived from trees in the Burseraceae family. The Maya used copal resin for both ritual and practical purposes. It was often burned as incense in religious ceremonies, but in a solid form, it was an adhesive for binding materials such as stone and wood.

The Aztecs also exploited natural resins, particularly pine resin. Pine resin was commonly mixed with natural powders like ash or powdered stone to enhance its adhesive properties. This combination was often applied to tools, pottery repairs, or affixing feathers and stones to wooden or clay artifacts.

Animal-Based Adhesives

In some pre-Columbian cultures, animal-based adhesives were also used, although these were less documented than plant resins. These adhesives were typically made by boiling animal hides, bones, or tendons to produce gelatinous substances that, when cooled, formed a strong bond. Andean civilizations, such as the Inca, likely employed these adhesives, though less direct evidence survives than their Mesoamerican counterparts.

For example, animal-based glues may have been used in textile production to attach decorative elements such as feathers to ceremonial garments or headpieces. However, animal-based adhesives’ exact prevalence and variety are not as well-documented as resin-based adhesives.

Methods of Production and Application

The production of adhesives in the pre-Columbian Americas required an understanding of local materials and their properties. Though methods varied between cultures, specific techniques were standard across regions.

Resin Extraction and Processing

Plant resins like copal were often harvested by cutting into the bark of resin-producing trees. The resin would ooze out and harden upon exposure to air, after which it could be collected and stored. When needed, the hardened resin was heated over a fire or other heat source until it became a thick liquid. Once liquefied, it could be applied to objects as an adhesive.

For specific applications, additives like powdered stone or pigments were mixed into the resin to adjust its texture or increase its durability. For example, this practice was common in affixing decorative stones to jewelry or securing blade heads to wooden shafts for tools and weapons.

Paracas Wood, Stone and Feather Club for Sale

Paracas wooden club w/inlaid Stone

Application Techniques

Adhesives were applied directly to the surfaces that needed bonding, often in thin layers. When used to repair pottery, artisans would apply the glue to the broken edges and carefully press the pieces together, holding them in place until the resin hardened. In some cases, additional adhesive was applied over the joints to reinforce the bond.

For weaponry and tools, adhesives were often used with other fastening techniques. For example, in Mesoamerican cultures, resin might have been used to help secure stone blades to wooden handles, followed by wrapping the joint with plant fibers for additional strength.

Cultural Examples of Adhesive Use

Several archaeological findings highlight the importance of adhesives in pre-Columbian material culture. Below are examples of how various civilizations across the Americas used adhesives.

Maya Copal Resin

The Maya extensively used copal resin for ceremonial incense and as an adhesive for repairing ceramics and affixing small decorative stones or shells to larger objects. For instance, archaeologists have found examples of jade and shell inlays on wooden objects in Maya tombs held in place by hardened copal resin.

Aztec Featherwork

Featherwork, a vital art form in Aztec and Maya civilizations, required adhesives to attach vibrant bird feathers to textiles, shields, and headdresses. In Aztec society, feather artisans, known as amantecas, used a combination of plant-based resins, such as pine resin, to bind the feathers in place. The featherwork pieces served decorative and religious purposes, demonstrating the adhesive’s role in crafting items of cultural significance.

Inca Wood and Stone Artifacts

In the Andean regions, particularly within the Inca Empire, adhesives were employed in various woodworking and stone-carving techniques. For example, adhesives were used to fasten metal or stone inlays into wooden objects, such as ceremonial staffs or chicha cups. Additionally, using resin-based adhesives for pottery repair has been suggested by analyzing broken and mended artifacts found in Inca archaeological sites.

Moche Metalworking

The Moche civilization of northern Peru is known for its advanced metallurgy and intricate artwork. Moche artisans likely used plant-based adhesives in their fine metalworking to affix precious stones or inlays into metal pieces. Some surviving Moche metal objects, such as ornamental plaques and jewelry, show evidence of adhered stone inlays using organic adhesives.

Moche Pututu Trumpet Shell Horn front side view

Moche Pututu Shell – Waylla Kepa w/ inlaid Silver Mouth Piece

Wari Mask Product for Sale

Wari False Head w/inlaid Shells

Conclusion

Pre-Columbian adhesives played a crucial role in the daily and ceremonial lives of the Maya, Aztecs, Inca, and other ancient civilizations. By utilizing plant resins like copal and pine and possibly animal-derived glues, these cultures produced durable and versatile adhesives for repairing ceramics, crafting tools, and creating intricate works of art. The widespread use of these adhesives, as demonstrated by surviving artifacts, provides insight into the technological sophistication of these pre-Columbian societies. Their understanding of natural resources allowed them to create functional and integral materials for their cultural and artistic practices, ensuring that these innovations would endure through the ages.

How to Determine Cotton Fabric from Camelid Fibers Accurately?

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[froggyfriendsworld]

Mask of Chac of the Mayan people (AD 200)

[shaangrilaa]