Artwork Page for Head with Animal Helmet

Details / Information for Head with Animal Helmet

Head with Animal Helmet

c. 600–1000

Mexico, Gulf Coast, San Andrés Tuxtla

(?)
Medium
earthenware, pigment
Measurements
Overall: 39.1 x 23.4 x 16.5 cm (15 3/8 x 9 3/16 x 6 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.237
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The Gulf Coast of Mexico was an important center of ceramic sculpture production for more than 2,000 years. Nearly life-size hollow effigies, produced after about AD 600, are among the most spectacular works from this region. Although the faces were sometimes made with molds, this example appears to be hand-modeled. The mythical serpent helmet indicates that the figure may be a ritual performer.

Head with Animal Helmet

c. 600–1000

Mexico, Gulf Coast, San Andrés Tuxtla(?)

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