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Tribute presentation scene
Tribute presentation scene

Tribute presentation scene

dated October 7, 691
Object PlaceLake Yaxhá-Tikal area, Department of El Petén, Guatemala
Medium/TechniqueEarthenware with red, orange, brown, and black on cream slip
DimensionsOverall (H x D): 21.3 x 11.7 cm (8 3/8 x 4 5/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Landon T. Clay
Accession number2004.2204
On View
On view
ClassificationsCeramics
Collections
Description
K'ak' Hiix, an emissary of the Calakmul (Mexico) ruler Yich'aak K'ak', presents tribute-12,000 cacao beans and a stack of cloth and quetzal feathers-to his enemy Ch'ok Wayis (Hasaw Chan K'awiil), the ruler of Tikal. The text states that the event took place at the Lake Yaxhá island town Topoxté on 9.12.19.10.0 4-Ajaw 13-Keh (October 7, 691). The tribute may have resulted from a skirmish or may have been a diplomatic entreaty to avert hostility; Tikal won a major battle against Calakmul four years later.
ProvenanceBy 1972, sold by Lee Moore (dealer), Miami, to Landon T. Clay, Boston [see note]; 2004, year-end gift of Landon T. Clay to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 23, 2005)

NOTE: According to the donor at the time of the gift. The vase was studied as part of the Maya Ceramics Project (Smithsonian Institution) in the 1970s.
Cylinder vase
A.D. 755–780
Cylinder vase
650–750 AD
Double-spouted bottle
A.D. 200–350
Person contemplating something in hand
750–770 AD
Dish
A.D. 700–800
Cylinder vase
A.D. 700–800
Cylinder vase
A.D. 650–800
Dish
A.D. 650–850
Cylinder vase
A.D. 680–750