Ulúa Alabaster Vessel with Effigy Handles Late Classic/Early Postclassic, circa AD 600 - 950

Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, New York
European Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1980

The Ulúa valley tradition of white stone vessels was a specialized form developed over generations of artisans, in a relatively small geographic region. The style is prized for the creamy white stone often revealing the inherent translucent quality of the stone. The effigy handles are a trademark of the Ulúa tradition, featuring creatures of the earth and sky.
The deep rounded bowl is supported by the short ring base; the handles are two strong heads of raptorial birds, each marked by the large circular eye, and short downturned beak with the raised caruncle.