Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Pendant

Artist/Maker Artist Unknown (Artist Unknown)

Dateca. 200-1550

CultureMexican

Mediumrock crystal

DimensionsOverall: 3 1/4 x 2 x 7/8 in. (8.3 x 5.1 x 2.2 cm)

ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories

Credit LineGift of Enrico Varisco in memory of Roberto Varisco

Terms

Object number2003.63.3

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of the Ancient Americas

DescriptionRock crystal was used in Aztec art primarily for smaller-scale ornaments and body decoration. Though difficult to carve, the transparency of this material made it highly desirable for sculptors, whose excellent craftsmanship can be seen in the careful carving of the eyes, angular eyebrows, nose, and partially open mouth. The hair, or perhaps a helmet, is formed by intercalating lines that create a net. Small human heads or masks such as this one were worn as chest pendants throughout Mesoamerica from Olmec times until the arrival of Europeans and had significant ritual connotations.