Cleveland Museum of Art

Warrior Figurine with Shield

Date

600–900

Medium

molded and modeled pottery with traces of pigment

Culture

Mexico, Classic Maya, Jaina style

Department

Art of the Americas

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Maya figurines portray a wide range of human, animals, and supernatural beings. This example represents a kneeling warrior who holds a rectangular shield and wears elaborate ornaments, including huge ear spools. The expressive, delicate head was made in a mold; the body was hand modeled. Elaborate facial tattoos and a bivalve pendent identify this warrior as a sajal , a second-tier noble.

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