The Princeton vase

This beautiful glass, commonly known as the Princeton vase was made sometime between the years 670-750.

It depicts a scene that, though enigmatic, seems to be quite familiar. Sitting on his throne, is the God L, wearing a shawl and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers of owl, is surrounded by concubines and under it there is a rabbit, possibly spying on and taking note of everything that is happening. The God L witnessing what appears to be a sacrifice.

This scene is very similar to a scene from the Popol Vuh, where Junajpú and Xbalanque deceive the gods of Xibalba (the underworld) to the decapiten; and then to be reborn and to overcome them definitely. During this event were helped by a rabbit, hence let’s look at one in this glass.

As is common in the mythological narratives in the entire american continent, the heroes win the day not through feats of brute force, but through cunning and, often, humor, and tricks. The hero twins Junajpú and Xbalanque are the heroes crafty for excellence and this glass, probably, was made in his honor. Life, triumphs over God L and death, cunning, and humor.

The glass comes from the Mirador basin in the Petén, Guatemala. Looted at some point and sold bought by the art museum of Princeton University.