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Miniature Metate
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This miniature grinding stone, decorated on the underside, was made during an era of extensive interregional contacts and artistic influences. The bar and four dots below the serpent represent the number nine, executed in the style of Xochicalco, in Morelos. The rattlesnake above resembles contemporary carvings from Veracruz, to the east. Possibly "9 Rattlesnake" was the name of an individual, or a date in the poorly understood Xochicalco calendar.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Classic Period |
|---|---|
| Date | 700–1000 |
| Culture / Origin | Central Mexico, Xochicalco?, Classic Period |
| Medium | stone |
| Dimensions | Overall: 17.5 x 13 x 3 cm (6 7/8 x 5 1/8 x 1 3/16 in.) |
| Department | Art of the Americas |
| Type | Stone |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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