For the ancient Maya, the natural world was both a source of nourishment and danger. From the sun to wildlife to maize crops, forces of nature manifested supernatural beings that were inseparable from their lives. This exhibition explores the rich world of the supernatural in ancient Maya art, through 200 works from LACMA’s notable collection — including ceramic vessels and figurines, and greenstone jewelry from present-day Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. These ancient artworks showcase how artists portrayed the supernatural world and how royalty acquired and displayed their own supernatural power.
The Blanton presentation is organized by Rosario I. Granados, Marilynn Thoma Curator, Art of the Spanish Americas
Figurine Whistle of a Woman with a Backstrap Loom, Mexico, Campeche, Jaina Island or vicinity,Maya, 650-850, ceramic with post-fire pigment, 7 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. (18.42 x 9.21 x 14.29 cm), Los AngelesCounty Museum of Art, Anonymous gift (M.2010.115.16) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Figurine Whistle Portraying a Couple, AD 600-900, Maya, ceramic with post-fire pigment, 8 x 3 3/10x 3 3/10 in. (20.3 x 8.4 x 8.4 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by CamillaChandler Frost (M.2010.115.571) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Maya, Carved and Incised Box, 450-550, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Purchased withfunds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost through the 2008 Collectors Committee (M.2008.59) photo ©Museum Associates/LACMA
Cacao Pod Vessel, 300-600, Maya, slip-painted ceramic, 5 3/10 x 3 x 3 1/5 in. (13.5 x 7.6 x 8.2 cm),Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost (M.2010.115.739)photo © Museum Associates/LACMA
Cylinder Vessel with Solar Deities, 650-850, Maya, slip-painted ceramic, d: 3 in. (7.6 cm), 7 x 3 x 3in. (17.8 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Camilla ChandlerFrost (M.2010.115.755) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Mortuary Panel, 687-800, Maya, limestone, 22 1/2 x 22 x 4 in. (57.2 x 55.9 x 10.2 cm), Los AngelesCounty Museum of Art, anonymous gift (M.2010.115.1064) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Plate with Supernatural Monkey, AD 600-900, Maya, slip-painted ceramic, 2 3/10 x 12 in. (5.8 x 30.5cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost(M.2010.115.723) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Stuccoed Vessel with Supernatural Birds, AD 600-900, Maya, ceramic with post-fire stucco andpigment, h: 7 1/2 in. (19 cm), d: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with fundsprovided by Camilla Chandler Frost (M.2010.115.23) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Whistle with Ruler, Bicephalic Serpent, and Ballplayers, AD 600-900, Maya, ceramic with post-firepigment, d: 2 3/4 in. (7 cm), 6 4/5 x 3 x 4 in. (17.3 x 7.6 x 10.2 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchasedwith funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost (M.2010.115.857) photo © Museum Associates / LACMA
Cylinder Vessel with Water Lily Serpent, AD 700-800, Maya, slip-painted ceramic, d: 4 3/10 in.(10.9 cm), 8 x 4 3/10 x 4 3/10 in. (20.3 x 10.9 x 10.9 cm), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, purchased with fundsprovided by Camilla Chandler Frost (M.2010.115.572) Photo © 2017 Museum Associates / LACMA Conservation Center by Yosi Pozeilov
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Credit
Forces of Nature: Ancient Maya Art from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Support for this exhibition at the Blanton is provided in part by Bettye Nowlin.