[Untitled]

Item

Identifier (Dublin Core): TP.2022.J.16
title (VRA Ontology): Figurine of a Little Person
Type (Dublin Core): figurines
name (VRA Ontology): Unknown
producer (VRA Ontology): modelers
has culture (VRA Ontology): Maya (culture or style)
date created (VRA Ontology): ca. 600–800 CE
has style period (VRA Ontology): Late Classic
location of (VRA Ontology): Isla Jaina; Yucatan; Campeche; México
has technique (VRA Ontology): molding (forming); sculpting
material (VRA Ontology): earthenware; Maya blue (pigment); red pigment; white pigment
area (VRA Ontology): 5.2 x 2.8 x 2 in (13.2 x 7.1 x 5.2 cm)
description (VRA Ontology): "These figures’ stout bodies, together with the distinctive facial features of several, indicate a naturalistic and sensitive rendition of achondroplasia, a genetic mutation that is among the most common causes of dwarfism. Dwarfs frequently appear in ancient Maya art, as they were common and important members of royal courts. Some scholars have suggested that their especially close relationship to Maya kings had mythological roots. Kings considered themselves akin to the beautiful maize god, whose long, slender head mimicked that of the single well-formed ear of corn a plant typically produces; other ears on the plant tend to be smaller and not fully developed. By analogy, people with achondroplasia were thought to be “of the same stalk” as royalty."

—Princeton University Art Museum
Subject (Dublin Core): ceramic ware (visual works); Nobility; Dwarfism
Rights (Dublin Core): Copyright Undetermined
Access Rights (Dublin Core): Gift of Gillett G. Griffin, Princeton University Art Museum
Source (Dublin Core): https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/5585

Item sets: Mayan Figures

Media: TP-2022-J-16