The clerk of Mayapan

This piece, known as ‘the clerk of Mayapan’, can be considered as one of the masterpieces best-preserved mayan art.

This is a censer efige that represents to the notary ape-man, deity very important in Classic mayan art, patron saint of writers and artists.
The clerk holds in his left hand, a pot in the shape of a snail, similar to the vessels containing ink used in the Classic maya. The numbers painted on the censer also indicate a relationship to the art of writing. In the right-hand side, the ape-man holding a brush similar to those represented in the paintings on ceramic. The right forearm is in reality a snake knotted, with the hand of the scribe sticking out of the mouth of the serpent as a language.

These censers were a central part in the ceremonies designed to honor the god of scribes and artists. These censers were on average 50 cm tall and are often at the front of the altars. According to studies of ancient mayan pottery, they were called Chen Mul , and used to burn the resin of the copal.

More information on the fascinating story of the magazine Arqueología Mexicana:
https://arqueologiamexicana.mx/mexico-antiguo/el-escribano-de-mayapan-yucatan