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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Temple Model
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.

Temple Model

Artist/Maker (Central Mexico)
Dateca. 300 BCE-300 CE
Mediumstone
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/4 x 2 5/8 x 1 1/8 in. (8.3 x 6.7 x 2.9 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of The Rubin - Ladd Foundation
Terms
    Object number2007.4.16
    DescriptionTemple models from the Mezcala River region in modern Guerrero are remarkable for their simplicity and beautiful craftsmanship. This temple model shows an architectural structure with two massive columns supporting a rectangular roof. The building is set upon a platform, which is surmounted via a narrow set of stairs. The smooth surface of the stone, which was carved using a thread-saw technique, helps accentuate the elegant lines of this quasi-abstract composition. Guerrero is famous for these temple models, which the Aztec demanded as tribute from their conquered subjects in the area. A handful of provenienced examples suggest these objects may have been used in dedication rituals for new buildings. The pure lines and strong schematic character of these pieces make them one of the most original sculptural types in all Mesoamerica.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mezcala
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nayarit
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mezcala
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Duane Hanson
    1981
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    George Segal
    1970
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Louise Nevelson
    1955
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1920
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Andrea della Robbia
    late 15th to early 16th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Andrea della Robbia
    late 15th to early 16th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Babindji people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Adelphoi Zangaki
    ca. 1860-1889 (printed 1992)