Aztec Skull - SP.631, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 1300 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Aztec, Medium: Terracotta. The belief that death is a crucial element in the continuation of life is a belief shared by many Meso-American people. The Maya and Aztecs both regarded the 'other world' as an integral part of the physical world, and that the barrier separating the two was like a revolving door. Therefore, cults venerating and appeasing death flourished for centuries, and are still a fundamental part of many cultures. This remarkable skull strikes deeply into our primordial consciousness. Its power is elemental, forceful and penetrating. The delicate face and handsome modeling of the head is complimented by the stones natural color, that the artist has chosen to adorn it with. It is easy to imagine this skull being a dramatic and practical part in esoteric rituals long since forgotten, but still alive in the aura of the substances.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico