COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1984.37
AMICA Library Year:
1998
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
North American; Central American; Mesoamerican; Aztec
Creator Dates/Places:
Mexico
Creator Name-CRT:
Mexico, Aztec
Title:
Warrior Figurine
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
c. 1350-1519
Creation Start Date:
1350
Creation End Date:
1519
Materials and Techniques:
cast gold
Classification Term:
Metalwork
Classification Term:
Metalwork
Dimensions:
Overall: 11.2cm x 6.1cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1984.37
Credit Line:
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
Context:
Mexico's Spanish conquerors melted into bullion most of the exquisitely crafted goldwork they captured from the Aztecs. This extraordinarily large and symbolically complex figurine is the finest surviving example of Aztec goldwork. Dressed as a warrior, the figure carries a serpent-headed spearthrower in his right hand, a shield and darts in his left. Ornaments are worn in the nose the lip, and the top and sides of the head are covered with balls of featherdown. On the figurine's back are the glyphs 2 Rabbit and 3 Water. These may record the year 1494, the date of the Aztec military campaign in Oaxaca. The figurine itself likely represents an enemy warrior captured for sacrifice.
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.1984.37.tif
