Exploring the Early Americas

The Jay I. Kislak Collection

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Vase with Deer Hunting Procession

Vase with Deer Hunting Procession (016.00.00)

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The hunters in this scene wear hats, probably woven from plant fibers, and carry long blowguns. Scenes similar to this still occur in Yucatán today. After a hunt, villagers march home triumphantly carrying a prize deer, while blowing on conch shell trumpets to herald their return. As with a number of other vessels from this region, the text on this vessel is entirely pseudoglyphic—that is, the glyphs are not meant to be read, but merely represent the “idea” of writing. The glyphic sign below the tongue of one of the deer and in front of the mouth of one of the hunters may indicate the “last breath” glyph.

Experience the Interactives

The hunters in this scene wear hats, probably woven from plant fibers, and carry long blowguns. Scenes similar to this still occur in Yucatán today. After a hunt, villagers march home triumphantly carrying a prize deer, while blowing on conch shell trumpets to herald their return. As with a number of other vessels from this region, the text on this vessel is entirely pseudoglyphic—that is, the glyphs are not meant to be read, but merely represent the “idea” of writing. The glyphic sign below the tongue of one of the deer and in front of the mouth of one of the hunters may indicate the “last breath” glyph.