Seated Figure (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This ceramic figure is richly adorned and painted with a black petroleum product called chapapote in Mexico. It may represent an early depiction of the god that the later Mexica (Aztec) culture called Xipe Totec, or “our lord the flayed one.” Often depicted wearing another human’s skin on top of his own, Xipe Totec was intended to represent a maize kernel that eventually sheds its husk. Like the new sprout that emerged from the old seed, Xipe Totec signifies springtime and renewal.
Pre-Columbian
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
1976-1977: "Masterpieces of Pre-Columbian Art", VMFA Artmobile, February 1976 - May 1977
1975-1976: F & M Gallery, November 1975 - January 1976
1970: Norfolk Museum of Art & Science, April 11 - June 30, 1970
1975-1976: F & M Gallery, November 1975 - January 1976
1970: Norfolk Museum of Art & Science, April 11 - June 30, 1970
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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