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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Agricultural Deity or Priest Figure
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Agricultural Deity or Priest Figure

Artist/Maker (Mexico)
Dateca. 1200-1400
Mediumstone
DimensionsOverall: 45 1/2 x 24 1/8 x 10 5/8 in. (115.6 x 61.3 x 27 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Edward R. Roberts
Terms
    Object number2006.31.11
    DescriptionThis impressive stone sculpture from the Central Gulf Coast region represents an agricultural deity or a human priest wearing the ceremonial regalia for a harvest ritual. His face and body are depicted with incredible naturalism. The minimalistic ornamentation of the face and lower body allow the focus to remain on the elaborate headdress, which is richly decorated with rosettes and serpents. A single open maw of a serpent is centered just above the face of the figure. His body language suggests movement and alertness. There is an obvious similarity to Aztec stone sculpture in dimension and style, but fluidity of the figure reflects the translation of shared Postclassic ideas into the local figural style of Veracruz. Economically and politically, the Aztec empire reached deep into the rich tributary Gulf lowlands but state art was not imposed upon the provinces. Local artistic production continued under the influence but not the control of the dominant state.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    ca. 450-650
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 250-500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 200-400
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 800-300 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900