About the Object

Carved and polished from jadeite, this pendant figure dates from what scholars call the Oaxacan Early Postclassic Period. It is similar in style to other works most likely fashioned for elite use, and like other jade objects found throughout Mesoamerica, the green color was likely associated with maintaining the agricultural cycle.

 

Additional Information

Between 500 CE and 1500 CE the Mixtec people fashioned a vibrant culture throughout what is now the Mexican state of Oaxaca, building urban centers dominated by alliances between powerful elite families who vied for regional influence. This object may have been created to demonstrate or win such influence among elites.

[Michael Robins];
The Jan T. and Marica Vilcek Collection, 1996-2010;
Gift to The Vilcek Foundation, 2010;

Tags
figure jadeite Mixtec Oaxaca Pendant
Share this page
Share this page on X Share this page on Facebook Share this page on LinkedIn

Related Objects

Mezcala Temple

200 BCE–500 CE Unknown Artist
Sculpture of a four column temple with a reclining figure on the top and a staircase carved into the base.

Mezcala Standing Pendant-Figure

900-100 BCE Unknown Artist
Small abstract standing figure with indented features.

Maya Pendant

550-950 CE Unknown Artist
Light green stone pendant with a carving of a dignitary shown in profile, seated cross-legged, his body facing forward, wearing an elaborate headdress.

Mezcala Standing Pendant-Figure

900-100 BCE Unknown Artist
Standing abstract figure with large head, small drilled eyes, and barely carved out arms, and legs.

Costa Rican Celt Pendant

600-900 CE Unknown Artist
Stone carving of a figure with an open mouth, exposed teeth, a geometric headpiece, and a long tongue.

Mezcala Face Pendant

1800-1200 BCE Unknown Artist
Face pendant with large pointed nose and indented features representing eyes and mouth.

Mezcala Temple

200 BCE–500 CE Unknown Artist
Stone sculpture of a four column temple with a reclining figure on the top, a staircase in the center, and circular indentation at the architrave.

Costa Rican Shaman Figure Pendant

600-900 CE Unknown Artist
Pendant of a figure with both hands on their head and a large round hole in the chest.

Mezcala Standing Figure

1800-1200 BCE Unknown Artist
Abstract stone standing figure with human and animal characteristics.

Mixtec Standing Figure of Dzavui (Tlaloc)

c. 900 CE Unknown Artist
Standing stone figure with large goggle-like eyes, a curled lip, large teeth, folded arms wearing a headdress.

You may also be interested in

Meleko Mokgosi

Meleko Mokgosi receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Fine Arts for paintings that rely on intensive research, reflection, and conversation in order to address widespread misrepresentation of Africa and Africans, and to accurately portray the continent’s complex social and political realities.
Portrait of Meleko Mokgosi