Deformed Person

myminifactory

Sculpture featuring a Terminal Classic Maya male bust comes from 800-950 AD Oxkintok region in Yucatán's Puuc area, carved from stone in high relief. Inflated cheek figures are typical for late-style Oxkintok art and often decorate columns. The anthropomorphic representation diverges from Classic period Maya conventions. Possibly, the inflated cheeks and half-open mouth indicate blowing action. Crossed arms match Mesoamerican prayer gestures but are uncommon in Maya area. Active trade during this time and contact with Gulf of Mexico peoples likely introduced innovations to the figure's plastic language.