{"id":359,"date":"2012-11-30T10:21:04","date_gmt":"2012-11-30T15:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/?page_id=359"},"modified":"2025-06-30T12:15:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T16:15:12","slug":"the-underworld","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/worldviews\/the-underworld\/","title":{"rendered":"The Underworld"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Iconographers (symbolism experts) have interpreted many images on ceramics as being scenes related to the Postclassic Popol Vuh, or \u201cCouncil Book,\u201d of the highland Quich\u00e9 Maya. Although separated from Classic Maya scribes by 500 years, the story line of the Popol Vuh corresponds well to the images on ceramics. Many of the ceramics most convincingly associated with the story were produced near the southern highland site of Cham\u00e1, in the Chixoy drainage, during the late 7th to early 8th centuries. Black-and-white chevron designs at the rim and base characterize polychrome Cham\u00e1 ceramics. Texts on Cham\u00e1 ceramics tend to be short and to contain false glyphs called \u201cpseudoglyphs\u201d. This may mean that they were produced by only partially literate artisans or for more than just the elite segment of society. Cham\u00e1 was located near the traditional entrance to the Underworld.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_17a7b5-54 wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24109\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196.jpg\" alt=\"Wide vase with vertical walls. Decorated with an incised seated figure with anthropomorphic face painted white with a background field of black.\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196.jpg 638w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1196-634x845.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,638px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 250 &#8211; 900<br>Classic Highland Guatemala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hero Twins turned their malevolent half-brothers into monkeys. The two Monkey-man Gods, Hun Batz and Hun Chouen, face each other on this vase. Prototypical scribes, they wear headgear with traits of both the scribe\u2019s \u201cSpangled Turban\u201d and Pawaht\u00fan\u2019s net headdress. One holds a pen and shell inkpot in his hands. The white scalloped shapes separating the figures appear to be stylized conch-shell inkpots. A restorer used pieces from another vessel in reconstructing this vase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/843\">HM1196<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_1a0552-38 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_1a0552-38 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_1a0552-38\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_1a0552-38 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_1a0552-38 wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24110\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205.jpg\" alt=\"Wide ceramic vase with vertical sides. Black and white chevron bands approximately 3\/4 inch from base and rim. Between is a seated figure dressed in a white loincloth and elaborate headdress facing left with right arm extended and palm in downward position.\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205.jpg 638w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1205-634x845.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,638px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 600 &#8211; 900<br>Late Classic Cham\u00e1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Young Maize God and his twin are separated by a single glyph on this vase. The Young Maize God was a patron deity of scribes and represented rulership. One Hunahpu and Seven Hunahpu descended to Xibalba, lost their lives and then were resurrected by the Hero Twins, sons of the Young Maize God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/853\">HM1205<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_042caa-3e .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_042caa-3e .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_042caa-3e\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_042caa-3e .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_042caa-3e wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-11502\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546.jpg\" alt=\"Ceramic vase with vertical sides. A face is painted on the front. Six skulls flank the face, three on each side, attached to the sides of the vase.\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-11502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546.jpg 600w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546-317x423.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/04\/hm546-423x564.jpg 423w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Funerary Urn<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 250 &#8211; 900<br>Classic Highland Guatemala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The central face, with its patches of jaguar skin on the forehead and large earflares, belongs to Xbalanque, one of the Hero Twins of the Popul Vuh. The three skulls on each side of the face emphasize the vessel\u2019s connection with the Underworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/5618\">HM546<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_f23313-5f .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_f23313-5f .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_f23313-5f\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_f23313-5f .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_f23313-5f wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24113\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187.jpg\" alt=\"Vase with vertical sides. Red, black, and orange over cream slip. There is a traditional red rim below which is a thick black line and a fine black line. A seated, masked gesturing figure is depicted.\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187.jpg 638w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1187-634x845.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,638px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 600 &#8211; 900<br>Late Classic Alta Verapaz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two figures representing K\u2019awil (God K) sit among symbols of Xibalba, including bones. Second born of a trio of gods called the Palenque Triad, this god has a zoomorphic snout and a smoking mirror penetrating his forehead. K\u2019awil is associated with bloodletting rituals, kingship and the summoning of ancestors.<br><a href=\"http:\/\/research.mayavase.com\/kerrmaya_hires.php?vase=7012\">Click here to view a roll-out view of the entire vase.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/834\">HM1187<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_fa8b45-b0\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_fa8b45-b0 wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24116\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190.jpg\" alt=\" Wide vase with vertical sides. Incised with a panel of a seated god surrounded by a dimpled area. A band of raised dots encircles the top and the base of the vase. The rim is painted with a band of red above a band of black.\" width=\"785\" height=\"589\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190.jpg 785w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-634x476.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1190-500x375.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,785px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 600 &#8211; 900<br>Late Classic Alta Verapaz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two panels contain identical figures resembling Insect God B of the Underworld. They have large god eyes, open mouths with prominent teeth, snouts resembling insect proboscises, god markings representing mirrors on the arms, circular ear ornaments with long flap-like extensions on the back and crosshatched headdresses with long extensions from which quetzal feathers hang. Each carries a glyph in his hand. The two glyph columns are executed in a squared-off style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/837\">HM1190<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_aae2c1-fb .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_aae2c1-fb .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_aae2c1-fb\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_aae2c1-fb wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24119\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177.jpg\" alt=\"Wide vase with vertical sides. Painted with figure of anthropomorphic Fox God seated, tailor-style facing to the right and gesturing with hands in a conversational style. Elaborate headdress with grid design and scalloped lines. Chevron banding bottom and top.\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177.jpg 638w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1177-634x845.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,638px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 600 &#8211; 900<br>Late Classic Cham\u00e1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The two figures separated by glyph panels possess the human body and animal head of the Fox God, one of the denizens of the Underworld. Each wears the netted headdress of Pawaht\u00fan, to whom the Fox God was subordinate. The two figures face each other, making identical hand gestures. Speech scrolls emanate from their mouths, as if they are conversing. The Fox God was a patron of scribes or sculptors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/823\">HM1177<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_cd067f-36 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_cd067f-36 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_cd067f-36\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_cd067f-36 wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-24122\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185.jpg\" alt=\"Vase with vertical sides. Interior is black, rim painted with red band. Sides are incised with a death's head or skull.\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-24122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185.jpg 638w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185-105x140.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185-317x422.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2025\/06\/hm1185-634x845.jpg 634w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,638px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 250 &#8211; 900<br>Classic Alta Verapaz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although incised, this vase is said to be from the Cham\u00e1 area, an identification supported by the chevron band at the base. Two Death\u2019s head skulls are separated by long bones. A band with repeated glyphs encircles the rim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/832\">HM1185<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_303e6b-f1 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-359_303e6b-f1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-359_303e6b-f1\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-split-content-img{max-height:450px;}.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{padding-top:24px;padding-right:24px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-imgcol, .kt-sc359_cd067f-36 .kt-sc-textcol{min-height:450px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"aligncenter kt-sc359_cd067f-36 wp-block-kadence-splitcontent\"><div class=\"kt-split-content-wrap kt-sc-media-side-left\" style=\"grid-template-columns:50% auto\"><div class=\"kt-sc-imgcol kt-sc-imgcol-bg-contain kt-sc-img-side-left\"><figure class=\"kt-split-content-media-image wp-image-container-3114\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/01\/Underworld8-hm1183-e1692717766293.jpg\" alt=\"Ceramic vase, tall and narrow with vertical walls. Black and white chevron motif bands around the rim and base. A human figure with elaborate feather back rack is painted between the bands. Figure has right arm thrust forward with palm held upward.\" width=\"395\" height=\"599\" class=\"kt-split-content-img wp-image-3114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/01\/Underworld8-hm1183-e1692717766293.jpg 395w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/01\/Underworld8-hm1183-e1692717766293-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/01\/Underworld8-hm1183-e1692717766293-92x140.jpg 92w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/275\/2013\/01\/Underworld8-hm1183-e1692717766293-317x481.jpg 317w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,395px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"kt-sc-textcol kt-sc-text-valign-center kt-sc-text-halign-center\"><div class=\"kt-sc-innter-col\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\"><strong>Maya Cylinder Vase<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AD 600 &#8211; 900<br>Late Classic Cham\u00e1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Young Maize God (Hun Nal or One Hunahpu) and his twin brother, Seven Hunahpu, perform a dance on this vase. They wear elaborate headdresses, on the front of which is a variant of the Jester God, personification of the royal headband. Panels containing textiles separate the dancers. This vase was restored by Lee Moore, who later repainted an Early Classic vessel with its image, creating a fake which confused experts for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>William P Palmer, III Collection<br><a href=\"https:\/\/hudsonmuseum.catalogaccess.com\/objects\/830\">HM1183<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Iconographers (symbolism experts) have interpreted many images on ceramics as being scenes related to the Postclassic Popol Vuh, or \u201cCouncil Book,\u201d of the highland Quich\u00e9 Maya. Although separated from Classic Maya scribes by 500 years, the story line of the Popol Vuh corresponds well to the images on ceramics. Many of the ceramics most convincingly [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2281,"featured_media":0,"parent":76,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-withsidebar.php","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-359","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Underworld - Hudson Museum - University of Maine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/hudsonmuseum\/worldviews\/the-underworld\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Underworld - Hudson Museum - University of Maine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Iconographers (symbolism experts) have interpreted many images on ceramics as being scenes related to the Postclassic Popol Vuh, or \u201cCouncil Book,\u201d of the highland Quich\u00e9 Maya. 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