Stone Vessel at the British Museum, London

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The scenes carved on this ancient vessel reveal two warriors locked in a fierce contest over a trophy head adorned with a long tassel of hair. The left figure always sports a distinctive nose ornament that extends across his cheek, while his opponent's fanged jaws signify his supernatural prowess. By tracing the direction of the trophy head from panel to panel, you can decipher the ritual sequence beginning on the left side. Each arm gesture is mirrored by its opposite, changing in synchrony as the confrontation unfolds. Subtle variations in costume and headdress highlight complementary oppositions that resonate with the visual language of the gestures. On the back panel, the sequence reaches a climax with a gesture of mutual recognition and presentation. Given its design, it's probable that this vessel held a liquid, possibly the fermented maguey drink known as pulque. The object may have played a significant role in ceremonies observed at specific times of the year. Dated from AD 300 to 1200. This artifact is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory that creates a digital archive of fully printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.