
Collection Online as of May 26, 2022
Part of a set. See all set records
Jadeite-albitite?
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.263.1.a
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Near Teotihuacán’s largest palace is a temple ornamented with green-feathered serpents, symbols of the earth’s fertility. Beneath the temple were at least 120 human sacrifices, most men, many warriors, and some wearing greenstone ornaments like these, perhaps a set. The sacrifices may have consecrated the temple or a ruler’s tomb, or both.