| DATE | 500 - 900 AD |
| AUTHOR | Unknown Pre Colombian Maya artist - Mexico |
| MEDIA | Stone |
| SIZE | 74.9 cm (29.5") |
| LOCATION | USA - California - Beverly Hills - Barakat Gallery |
| NOTES | Every aspect of Maya life had a religious connection, and no important event, whether it involved an individual or community, was conducted without first consulting the omens. The priests were responsible for determining when the signs were favorable to go to war, begin planting, have a communal hunt or hold a puberty ceremony. Artists were an essential part of the religious activities, creating objects intended to represent physical reality and abstract ideas. The carving of certain idols was considered dangerous work, since it was believed the spirit of the wood or stone might enter into the person working on the piece. Therefore, precautions were taken to ensure safety - such as confining the carvers and priests in a temporary hut, and making them submit to fasting and celibacy until the work was finished.
Very likely this remarkable stone phallus was used in fertility rites. Such ceremonies were of great importance, not only for procreation, but also to encourage the birth of male children. Associated, if not directly related, were bloodletting rites. In them men would cut into their penises and dance in the open allowing the blood to sprinkle the ground. This was thought to bring on a state of heightened consciousness or euphoria. Holes at the back of the phallus suggests it may have been worn or hung up for display. The end part forms a sort of cup which may have been used for holding semen or blood. |
|
You will be more than welcome.