An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Figure of a Warriorafter 1325 (thermoluminescence date of casting core, 1345–1575)
The elite status of this warrior, who holds a dartthrower, darts, and a shield, is revealed by the gold from which he is made as well as his jewelry and sandals. Military accomplishment was prized by the Aztecs, whose imperial expansion was fueled by ambition as well as their belief that they were chosen to uphold cosmic order through war. The purpose of the chest cavity is unclear; the figurine may have been worn as a pendant.
The calendar glyphs on the figure's back read "2 Rabbit, 3 Water."
gold-silver-copper alloy (cast)
Overall: 11.2 x 6.1 cm (4 7/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
Beneath the warm sun of ancient Mexico, a remarkable figure stood as a testament to valor and ambitions unbound. This warrior, crafted from shimmering gold that caught the sun’s rays like a thousand tiny stars, held a dartthrower in one hand and darts in the other, poised for conquest. His feet, adorned with intricate sandals, poised on the edge of history, whispered tales of battles fought and victories won.
As you gaze upon this captivating figure, you can’t help but feel the weight of his status. Each piece of jewelry that glimmers on his frame tells a story of honor. To the Aztecs, military prowess was not merely celebrated; it was considered a vital thread in the fabric of their society. They believed they were chosen, destined to maintain cosmic balance through their courage and warfare, their ambition igniting the flames of imperial expansion.
But there lies a mystery in his form. The chest cavity, enigmatic and undefined, raises questions that echo through time. Was this extraordinary warrior simply a figure of power, or did he serve another purpose? Perhaps he was worn as a pendant, an amulet of sorts, bestowing the chosen warrior’s spirit on those who dared to claim his legacy.
With every glance at this effigy, one can almost hear the distant sounds of drums and chants, feel the pulse of a people who knew that every battle fought was a step closer to fulfilling their divine purpose. In this golden warrior, we see not just a man, but a symbol of an era, a reminder of humanity’s enduring quest for greatness and meaning in the vast tapestry of existence.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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