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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Labret
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.

Labret

Artist/Maker (Central Valley, Mexico)
Dateca. 1350-1521
Mediumobsidian
DimensionsOverall: 3/8 x 1 x 3/8 in. (1 x 2.5 x 1 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Enrico Varisco in memory of Roberto Varisco
Terms
    Object number2003.63.24
    DescriptionOrnaments such as this obsidian labret, or lip plug, were worn as status markers by Aztec elites and played a key role in rites of passage. Thin obsidian earspools, labrets, and lip pendants indicated the wearer’s position, wealth, and even age. This perfectly preserved labret is typical of many that have been found in burials and caches.
    On View
    On view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lambayeque-Sicán
    800-1350
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Tairona
    500-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ogoni people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Tairona
    500-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Zapotec
    ca. 600-800
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Manteño
    800-1500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521