The artwork, titled “Bell,” was crafted by an artist from the Aztec civilization around the period between c.1300 and c.1521. The piece, made of copper, falls within the Post-classic art movement that spanned from c.900 to 1580. This finely created artifact, categorized under the genre of jewelry, is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork presents itself as a small, elegantly designed bell with a slightly elongated form. The patina and wear indicate its antiquity, showcasing a characteristic brownish hue. The bell possesses a loop at the top, signifying its use as an adornment, possibly worn as a pendant or attached to a garment. A vertical slit runs along the lower portion of the bell, likely to emit sound when agitated. The simplicity and functionality of the bell reflect the mastery and aesthetic sensibility of Aztec craftsmanship in metalwork, embodying the cultural and artistic heritage of the Post-classic era.
