Toltec Plumbate Head Effigy Vessel, 1000 CE - 1200 CE
Plumbate
4.125 x 5.25
PF.2942
Further images
The Toltec civilization first gained ascendany in th Vallery of Mexico around 900 A.D., after the fall o Teotihuacan. Although their origins and early histor are obscure, the Toltecs appear...
The Toltec civilization first gained ascendany in th Vallery of Mexico around 900 A.D., after the fall o Teotihuacan. Although their origins and early histor are obscure, the Toltecs appear to have ancient tie to both the Mixtec and the Zapotec. The word Tolte means “master builders” in the Nahuatl language, testament to the sophistication of Tolte constructions. Their art and architecture was highl influenced by Teotihuacan as well as the ancient Olme culture. The Toltecs were technologically advanced,
capable of smelting metals. Their stonework wa impecible as the ruins of Tula demonstrate. Thi archaeological site is believed to be Tollan, th legendary capital of the Toltec civilization referre to in a number of postconquest sources. Their socia structure was headed by an elite class of warriors. Excavation have uncovered the ceremonial center tha included a pyramid structure topped by a templ dedicated to the hero-god Quetzalcoatl.
Pottery vessels of this type are known a plumbate-ware. During the height of the Tolte civilization, plumate works were produced at only on place: on the Pacific slope of the Soconusco region i modern Guatemala. Furthermore, the process by which i was made seems to have been a closely guarded secret. Such wares were highly valued throughout Mesoameric and were traded along commercial networks tha extended as far as Panama. Plumate was so desirable i part because it maintains an exceptional hardness tha can be scarcely scratched with steel.
This sturdy plumbate vessel has retained its beautifu orange hue and sculptural detail. The vessel has beautiful vitrified surface that has been enhance with incision lines represented decorative facia scarification. Although such works were commonl sculpted in the form of heads, this vessel is uniqu because it depicts an elderly woman. Only the head of god and men, or sometimes animals, wer traditionally represented. This woman was probably person of high class or a deity, as her ear spools an beautifully decorated headdress indicate. With he well-defined, high cheekbones and sharp nose, th plumbate vessel holds a fine sculptural quality. Having been made exclusively in one region during brief period of time, with a secretive method, thi plumbate vessel is a valuable rarity fro Pre-Columbian history.
capable of smelting metals. Their stonework wa impecible as the ruins of Tula demonstrate. Thi archaeological site is believed to be Tollan, th legendary capital of the Toltec civilization referre to in a number of postconquest sources. Their socia structure was headed by an elite class of warriors. Excavation have uncovered the ceremonial center tha included a pyramid structure topped by a templ dedicated to the hero-god Quetzalcoatl.
Pottery vessels of this type are known a plumbate-ware. During the height of the Tolte civilization, plumate works were produced at only on place: on the Pacific slope of the Soconusco region i modern Guatemala. Furthermore, the process by which i was made seems to have been a closely guarded secret. Such wares were highly valued throughout Mesoameric and were traded along commercial networks tha extended as far as Panama. Plumate was so desirable i part because it maintains an exceptional hardness tha can be scarcely scratched with steel.
This sturdy plumbate vessel has retained its beautifu orange hue and sculptural detail. The vessel has beautiful vitrified surface that has been enhance with incision lines represented decorative facia scarification. Although such works were commonl sculpted in the form of heads, this vessel is uniqu because it depicts an elderly woman. Only the head of god and men, or sometimes animals, wer traditionally represented. This woman was probably person of high class or a deity, as her ear spools an beautifully decorated headdress indicate. With he well-defined, high cheekbones and sharp nose, th plumbate vessel holds a fine sculptural quality. Having been made exclusively in one region during brief period of time, with a secretive method, thi plumbate vessel is a valuable rarity fro Pre-Columbian history.