Guatemalan Carved Column

The Maya peoples of Guatemala create incredible works of art through columnar woodworking and stone shaping. While similar columns feature vine motifs, the artisan of this contemporary piece chose fill the length of the column with a pattern of leafy foliage. The elegantly smooth stacked disc base becomes a densely packed forest of symmetrical leaves and flowers. These in turn give way to a simple geometric motif at its top, keeping the eye focused on the bold design at its center. The hand of the craftsperson is starkly apparent in this soulful sculptural object.