Figure of a Warrior

Creator Name

Cultural Context

Central Mexico, Tetzcoco?, Aztec, Post-Classic Period

Date

after 1325 (thermoluminescence date of casting core, 1345–1575)

Source

Cleveland Museum of Art

About the work

Cleveland Museum of Art Object Description

The elite status of this warrior, who holds a dartthrower, darts, and a shield, is revealed by the gold from which he is made as well as his jewelry and sandals. Military accomplishment was prized by the Aztecs, whose imperial expansion was fueled by ambition as well as their belief that they were chosen to uphold cosmic order through war. The purpose of the chest cavity is unclear; the figurine may have been worn as a pendant.

Work details

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Title

Figure of a Warrior

Creator

Worktype

Metalwork

Cultural Context

Central Mexico, Tetzcoco?, Aztec, Post-Classic Period

Material

gold-silver-copper alloy (cast)

Dimensions

Overall: 11.2 x 6.1 cm (4 7/16 x 2 3/8 in.);
height: 0.112metre;
width: 0.061metre

Technique

Language

Date

after 1325 (thermoluminescence date of casting core, 1345–1575)

Provenance

Update on pre-acquisition history pending.; The Cleveland Museum of the Art, Cleveland, OH, 1984-; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund

Style Period

Rights

CC0

Inscription

Location

Source

Cleveland Museum of Art

Subject

Topic

All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:

Figure of a Warrior, after 1325 (thermoluminescence date of casting core, 1345–1575), Cleveland Museum of Art. CC0.

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