Deity figure
Creator Name
Cultural Context
Date
Source
About the work
Curationist Object DescriptionMany ancient cultures around the world worshipped deities that took on animal-like features. From Egyptians to Cypriots to Mayans, bird-faced deities were among each culture's supernatural beings.
Carved in pyroxene jadeite, this figure represents the Mayan Principal Bird Deity or a devotee. The Principal Bird Deity held a major role in the early Maya pantheon, aiding in the world's creation. This mythology carried into the association with abundance and maize cultivation. The complex deity is also the embodiment of earthly riches and jade itself.
Carved in pyroxene jadeite, this figure represents the Mayan Principal Bird Deity or a devotee. The Principal Bird Deity held a major role in the early Maya pantheon, aiding in the world's creation. This mythology carried into the association with abundance and maize cultivation. The complex deity is also the embodiment of earthly riches and jade itself.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Description
Figure
Work details
"--" = no data available
= Curationist added metadata(Learn more)Title
Creator
Worktype
Cultural Context
Material
Dimensions
Technique
--
Language
--
Date
Provenance
Style Period
--
Rights
Inscription
--
Location
Source
Subjects
Topic
Curationist Metadata Contributors
All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:
Unknown, Deity figure, 3rd–6th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Mayan Principal Bird Deity, likely represented in this jade work, embodies the richness of the sacred stone. Public Domain.
Help us improve this content!
Let our archivists know if you have something to add.
Save this work.
Start an account to add this work to your personal curated collection.
