Refers to the period of art in Mesoamerica from approximately 250 BCE to 600 CE characterized in ceramics by high-relief figures adorning cylindrical jars and the use of chapopote (black asphalt) to paint the faces and bodies of tan or brown clay figures. Lapidary art of the period witnessed a movement away from celts to refined figurines with inlaid eyes and teeth. Hardstones predominate with tecali often used for larger carvings. Decorative pieces of the period include large ear flares and bead necklaces. In architecture, the period features complex altar structures, stelae carved to represent a standing ruler and decorated with inscriptions and Long Count dates, carved stucco roof-combs, carved wooden lintels, and decorated shrines on the tops of pyramids. Painting styles of the period feature murals of red and black lines on white stucco and hieroglyphs framed by figures or signs of deities.
