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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Male Figure
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Male Figure

Artist/Maker (Central Valley, Mexico)
Dateca. 1350-1521
Mediumbasalt
DimensionsOverall: 10 3/8 x 3 3/4 x 3 1/8 in. (26.4 x 9.5 x 7.9 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2007.52.15
    DescriptionMacehualli are standardized sculptural representations of male figures found as part of Aztec offerings, particularly at the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan. They represent the ideal common man. This example has a typically rigid posture and stern expression, but it also has well-defined facial features and a particularly lively expression, which is emphasized by the unusual position of the hands crossed over the chest. The excellent carving skill of Aztec artists is evident, especially in the eyes, nose, and mouth, and in the detailed execution of the sandals and feet. This piece lacks the typical orifice in the chest area, which might have contained inlays of jade, gold, or other precious stones to indicate the heart, a feature present in most examples of this sculptural type.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mezcala
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 800-300 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Diquis
    ca. 800-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Guna people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521