Terms and conditions of use
Warrior priest impersonating Xiuhtecuhtli
300 CE-500 CE
Medium
earthenware, bitumen
Measurements
69.3 × 37.2 × 31.9 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through the NGV Foundation by John Warner, Founder Benefactor, 2002
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This monumental naturalistic figure depicts a warrior or dignitary impersonating a deity in a ritual performance. One candidate for the deity may be an early form of Xiuhtecuhtli, the god of fire. His name is translated as xiuitl (turquoise) tecuhtli (lord). In his hand he holds a jawless serpent head staff thought be a depiction of Xiuhcoatl, or fire serpent. On his torso is either a turquoise medallion or a round obsidian mirror.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Veracruz, Gulf Coast, Mexico
Accession Number
2002.295
Department
Pre-Columbian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation