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Maya Pottery Nahual Vessel (tiger)

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Maya Pottery Nahual Vessel (tiger)

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Maya Pottery Nahual Vessel (tiger)

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$ 80.00

Availability: Out of stock

Quick Overview

A nahual is a spirit being or animistic entity closely associated with a human being. Each person has its own nahual which acts a double, a shadow, or as a protective spirit. A nahual often takes the shape of animals such as dogs, jaguars, or opossums but in essence a nahual is a shape shifter who can transform its shape at will. The day a child is born determines its assigned nahual, but the child is only told when it has reached a responsible age.
During sleep, the nahual can go wondering, something that can be seen in the dream. A nahual can also be sent out to perform tasks or used as an adviser. A nahual will sometimes take the shape of an animal or person to intervene in the events of its assigned human when the human is not following their pre-determined destiny. In essence the nahual tricks its assigned human into getting back on course.

Ancient Shape-Shifter Depicted in Mayan Pottery Guides Destiny

The ancient Maya are well known for their knowledge of advanced astronomy and mathematics. Their calendars are able to predict stellar events millennia into the past and millennia into the future. How a Stone Age group was able to acquire this type of knowledge and put it to use is nevertheless unknown. Through exhaustive and collective work, the few surviving codices (bark books) and surviving Mayan pottery are starting to reveal some of their secrets. One interesting aspect of the Maya is their view of the universe and time. Events happen in recurring cycles and everyone and everything has a preordained part to play.

Upon this world a mere individual is placed to live out their destiny and to help sustain the gods that created the universe. Although sometimes it seems a little help was needed to make sure everyone stayed on track.

Upon birth, every child was assigned a Nahual by the gods. A nahual is a spirit being tasked with assisting its human to fill their destiny and in cases even act on his behalf. The nahual in essence is a shape-shifter, able to take the form of animals most notably jaguars, dogs or even humans while conducting its duties. If a child is destined to be an astronomer, a warrior or a tradesman the path was preordained and the child is required to follow that path to its conclusion.

from time to time human free-will plays an unorganized role in the plan. Perhaps the child shows no interest in astronomy or is weak in armed combat making their intended destiny difficult. Nevertheless the individual is expected to fulfill their role and will be coaxed or even tricked by their nahual if they stray from their destiny.

This destiny fulfillment and the role a nahual can play is told in a story about a male child named "Jade Bird" whose destiny included being a warrior. Jade-Bird would be tasked with the obligation of winning a great battle. However since an early age the child showed no interest in warrior roles. Instead the child showed great interest and skill in the art of picture writing. Various efforts were made by his family to condition the boy in the art of warfare. Sadly, no evident warrior skills were present, although not for the lack of trying. Simply stated, the boy did not possess the forceful nature or strength required to be a warrior. As time progressed and the boy grew in years he was able to make a living performing the task of picture writing but could never gain respect as a warrior. His behaviour was simply too timid.

One day a nobleman warior requested a worka task be} performed to commemorate his single handed victory over a very fierce enemy warrior he had slain. It was a noteworthy victory for the nobleman. He claimed he had defeated the enemy warrior "Jaguar-Paw" in combat in plain view of everyone in the battlefield. No clemency had been shown by the nobleman as he decapitated his victim. After the decapitation the nobleman gleefully stated that he then skinned the body and would proudly reveal the skin as his great trophy. Everyone would forget the greatness of "Jaguar-Paw" and only remember his humiliating defeat at his hands. The nobleman wanted every detail portrayed and written down for all to view.

After much work Jade-Bird realised his task. The important details had been recorded in images and writing. The ruthlessness shown by the nobleman was apparent. Not only had he defeated Jaguar-Paw in battle, but now he would display his trophy to erase any greatness Jaguar-Paw might have accomplished. He would now only be remembered as someone's trophy.

The nobleman was very pleased with the work and quickly took his victory record. He was off to battle once more; a large group of enemyfierce enemy warriors were challenging the city.

What occurs next is recounted as the work of a shape-shifting nahual performing his duties. An pressing request by "Jaguar-Paw", the leader of the attacking group was received, directed to the "Revered Warrior Jade-Bird" stating:

"Revered brother, I have studied your picture writing dispatch with much detail. My heart sank upon seeing your bold hand tell of what awaits me. I have no fear to die in battle. But to never be remembered for much except your trophy in truth demoralizes me. I will take my leave along with my brave warriors never to return. If this place is defended by such warriors, may the gods deal with it."

After the withdrawal of the enemy warriors, many congratulatory verses were spoken on behalf of Jade-Bird. His bold move had been the tipping point in the siege.

Afterwards, Jade-Bird made a few inquiries as to the nobleman that had commissioned the work. No such person seemed to exist. All that could be gathered was firsthand accounts of Jade-Bird in full warrior uniform personally dispatching runners with a challenge to Jaguar-Paw including a message in picture writing.

Product Description

Unique piece, only 1 available

Hand made in Mexico by decendants of the Maya Expire of fired clay and properly purified.

8" tall x 5.5" wide x 8" depth, weight = 3.5 lbs.

This is a hand made pottery object, slight imperfections may exist

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