Carved Shell Depicting the Profile Face of Diety (Broken) Possibly 250 - 900

This is a carved shell, depicting the profile of a deity, created by the Maya. Consider how the concept of the divine permeated every aspect of Maya life, influencing their art, architecture, and social structure. This carving is just a fragment, a shard of a larger narrative. Think about the significance of depicting deities. What did it mean to represent the divine, and how did these images function within their society? The artist skillfully transformed a fragile material into a lasting image. It's a testament to the importance of artistry and representation in Maya culture, as well as an attempt to capture the intangible, the spiritual. Even broken, this shell speaks volumes about the Maya’s beliefs, their artistry, and their place in the world. It also asks us to reflect on how we represent and relate to the divine.