Birds in The Maya Art

Birds in the Maya Art

English Name: Great Curassow
Scientific name: Crax r. rubra
Spanish Names: Pajuil, Faisán, Hocofaisán.
Maya Names: K’am’bul (Itzaj), Kambul, Mut (Yucatec)

The great curassow is the largest of the three most important game birds in El Petén (Curassow, Crested Guan, and Ocellated Turkey), all belonging to the Galliform group.

The representation of the great curassow is found on bowls and plates. It was used as ornamentation.

The use of ornaments and certain symbols in the attire indicated the prestige and position of an individual in society. Sometimes, having luxury items was not limited to the elite, but to whoever could afford them, probably including the merchants.

From: Maya Art of Tikal Flora & Fauna.