Eccentric, ceremonial scepter representing a dignitary - Maya

The body is schematized. It is clad in a loincloth with the sides protruding from each side and holds in its hand a sceptre or an axe. The nose and mouth are evoked by notches. He wears a cap composed of a torch of flames emerging from a frontal mirror. It is complemented by high fan feathers. Feathers also adorn the back of the dignitary.

These flint sceptres, named eccentric by their turbulent and irregular shape, are unique to Mayan culture. They appear as the stylised reincarnation of the sacred souls of the dead and were buried as offerings to the dead or in votive caches. These are particularly elegant lithic tools that demonstrate all the technical mastery of the artists of the time.