Veracruz Volcanic Stone Hacha - PF.6056,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 6.625" (16.8cm) high x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Veracruz Volcanic Stone Hacha - PF.6056,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 6.625" (16.8cm) high x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Stone. The ball game, perhaps ritually signifying the transit of the sun and moon between the celestial and terrestrial spheres, was an important event in Meso-American culture, considered necessary to maintain the cosmic cycle. The game was both a sport and a sacrificial ritual. Made out of heavy stone, the hacha was possibly used as an extra burden of weight to test the physical prowess of the player. In fact, relief sculptures and terracotta figures show axe-shaped objects attached to ball- players’ belts, which were used as deflectors and protectors. The game itself used a large rubber ball that could be hit by the elbows, knees or hips but could not be touched by the hands or feet. This is one of the earliest types of hachas that were characteristically larger and rounder than later flat, axe-shaped examples. Some scholars believe that the origin of hachas might be traced back to trophy heads as this early example implies. This magnificent hacha likely depicts the head of a man covered in a mask representing an avian deity with a large central crest crowning his head. However, the depth of the barren eye sockets, recalling those of a skull, imply that this might depict a mythological being or deity related to death. In addition, the high cheekbones and prominent brow convey a powerful expression befitting of such a mythological god. A few traces of red pigment are still visible, most noticeable on the mouth and crest. The beauty and intricate carving of this hacha reveals the ceremonial significance of the ball game in the daily lives of Ancient Meso- Americans.   « Less

Veracruz Terracotta Sculpture Mold - PF.6104 (DB.044)),Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD,Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) depth,Collection:  More »

Veracruz Terracotta Sculpture Mold - PF.6104 (DB.044)),Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD,Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) depth,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Terracotta. This work of art, an ancient sculptor’s mold, grants us a unique insight into the creative process of Mayan artists. Such a mold would have been used in the fabrication of small terracotta sculptures. Pressed into the wet clay, the intricately carved pattern of the mold would be replicated. The highly detailed pattern of the interior belies the soft curves of the abstract exterior. This particular mold replicates a human face, perhaps that of a king or shaman. The large nose is the most prominent feature, in addition to the slightly open, frowning mouth and eyes with their clearly defined pupils. Who is this person? We can only guess. From the carefully groomed hairline, we can at least extrapolate that he was someone of high rank within the Mayan social hierarchy. This face would have presumably been attached to a larger body while still wet. It is possible that a generic body was used for several different faces; it is also possible that a specific body was intended to be joined with this face only. This little mold, as functional as it is, was once used to create images of gods. That sacred idols worthy of worship could be created from this mold implies that the mold itself has some inherent power. Clearly, in the hands of a master sculptor, this mold has the power to embody the gods. Today, this mold is a relic of ancient artistry, transplanted from an ancient Mayan workshop into our hands, linking us directly with the creative process of long forgotten sculptors.   « Less

Veracruz Hacha Depicting an Avian Masked Head - PF.5964,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Veracruz Hacha Depicting an Avian Masked Head - PF.5964,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Volcanic Stone.   « Less

Veracruz Terracotta Sculpture of a Man - PF.0398,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium:  More »

Veracruz Terracotta Sculpture of a Man - PF.0398,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Remojadas Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - X.0648,Origin: Veracruz, Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Remojadas Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - X.0648,Origin: Veracruz, Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Remojadas,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Remojadas Terracotta Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - X.0649,Origin: Veracruz, Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 4.75" (12.1cm)  More »

Remojadas Terracotta Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - X.0649,Origin: Veracruz, Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high x 4.75" (12.1cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Remojadas,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Veracruz Stone Hacha Depicting a Head - X.0700,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Veracruz Stone Hacha Depicting a Head - X.0700,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high x 4" (10.2cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Stone.   « Less

Veracruz Painted Stone Palma Depicting a Head - X.0702,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Veracruz Painted Stone Palma Depicting a Head - X.0702,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 800 AD,Dimensions: 8" (20.3cm) high x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Stone.   « Less

Remojadas Terracotta Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - SP.479,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 6" (15.2cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Remojadas Terracotta Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - SP.479,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD,Dimensions: 6.5" (16.5cm) high x 6" (15.2cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Pre-Columbian Art / Remojadas,Medium: Terracotta,Condition: Very Fine.   « Less

Veracruz Terracotta Head - PF.1911,Origin: Veracruz- Mexico,Circa: 200 AD to 600 AD,Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Veracruz,Medium:  More »

Veracruz Terracotta Head - PF.1911,Origin: Veracruz- Mexico,Circa: 200 AD to 600 AD,Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Veracruz,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less