Balam the Jaguar

Fantastic animals from Maya codices cover this finely crafted vessel. It stands on three legs that take the shape of jaguars while a fourth spotted cat snaps and snarls on the vessel itself. 'For ancient peoples in Mesoamerica, one of the most important animals was the balam, or jaguar. It was a symbol of fertility, power, strength and dominance. Priests wore capes fashioned from its fur and its coat represented the starry sky,' says master artisan Gregorio Bracamonte.