Maya Vase with Mythological Scene, 7th-8th century

This drinking cup shows the aging Rain God Chank with a ceremonial ax in one hand and the other on a building that has split open. Other figures on the cup may represent the Maize God, who the Rain God is bringing back to life by breaking open the building’s roof, although the mythic scene is difficult to interpret. Around the rim of the cup are glyphs that refer to the raising of a drinking cup as a dedication, and refer to the owner of the vessel as “striker,” perhaps linking him to the action of the Rain God shown on it.

The source is part of the teaching module on Maya writing.