Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. Wow! A marvelous slate mirror back or tezcacuitlapili of discoid form adorned with the inlaid image of a lord in omphacite jade and greenstone. Boasting brilliant hues of turquoise, seafoam green, and celadon that beautifully complement the deep mocha-colored slate, the lord is shown in profile facing right and stepping forward as he grasps a staff in one hand and a war club or another implement in the other. A circular border of greenstone and omphacite jade surrounds the figure. For over 2,000 years, polished stone mirrors were an important component of Mesoamerican attire, ritual, and symbolic imagery. Mirrors often functioned as emblems of rank and office and were typically worn at the small of the back. The depiction of such mirrors in ancient murals, as worn by warriors, priests, and state officials, attests to their importance in the spectacular art of ritual performance in Teotihuacan. Size: 5.4" L x 1" W x 5.25" H (13.7 cm x 2.5 cm x 13.3 cm); 7.8" H (19.8 cm) on included custom stand.

In Teotihuacan, artifacts produced with slate and ferrous minerals were a common component in rituals and part of elite clothing. Mirrors were not only objects to look at, but also symbolized the door that opens to the underworld or that closes for protection, the means of communication with supernatural beings and ancestors, the reflection to catch the sun. Additionally, the reflecting surface had traditionally served as an insignia of rank and as a means of long-distance communication or location.

Cf. Art Institute of Chicago, reference number 1994.313.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Kevern Gregory collection, Florida, USA; ex-Luis Merida collection, Florida, USA, acquired prior to 1960

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#184084

Chipping to polished surfaces in peripheries and other areas. Nicks and abrasions as shown, but otherwise, intact and excellent with good preservation to inlaid detail. Earthen encrustations as shown.