Jan 14, 2011
Jan 14, 2011

Miniature Metate

Miniature Metate

700–1000

Stone

Overall: 17.5 x 13 x 3 cm (6 7/8 x 5 1/8 x 1 3/16 in.)

Gift of John Wise 1956.86

Location

Description

This miniature grinding stone, decorated on the underside, was made during an era of extensive interregional contacts and artistic influences. The bar and four dots below the serpent represent the number nine, executed in the style of Xochicalco, in Morelos. The rattlesnake above resembles contemporary carvings from Veracruz, to the east. Possibly "9 Rattlesnake" was the name of an individual, or a date in the poorly understood Xochicalco calendar.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Mesoamerica
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Stone
Medium: 
Stone
Credit line: 
Gift of John Wise

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