Pendant
This flat, rectangular pendant depicts four profile faces with long, toothy snouts at each corner joined to undulating, spotted bodies separated by two round holes. The creatures may represent serpents, felines, or crocodilians, or a combination of these animals. All were commonly associated with water and fertility in Mesoamerica. The composition is bilaterally symmetrical on both horizontal and vertical axes. Two small holes at the top in back are for suspension.
The pendant is worked in a stone of green color, a hue symbolic of water, fertility, and life. Greenstone was thus considered more precious than gold by the peoples of ancient Mexico. The pendant is attributed to the Mixtecs of southern Mexico, renowned for their lapidary artistry.
The pendant is worked in a stone of green color, a hue symbolic of water, fertility, and life. Greenstone was thus considered more precious than gold by the peoples of ancient Mexico. The pendant is attributed to the Mixtecs of southern Mexico, renowned for their lapidary artistry.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pendant
- Artist: Mixtec (Ñuu Savi) artist(s)
- Date: 1300–1521 CE
- Geography: Mexico, Mesoamerica
- Culture: Mixtec
- Medium: Greenstone
- Dimensions: H. 2 1/4 x W. 5 1/2 x D. 1/4 in. (5.7 x 14 x 0.6 cm)
- Classification: Stone-Ornaments
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1964
- Object Number: 1978.412.117
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Mixtec (Ñuu Savi) artist(s)
1325–1521 CE
Mixtec (Ñuu Savi) artist(s)
1300–1500 CE
Mixtec (Ñuu Savi) artist(s)
1325–1521 CE
Mexica artist(s)
1325–1521 CE
Teotihuacan artist(s)
350–600 CE
Related Content
Timeline of Art History
Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.