The artwork “Cihuateotl,” attributed to Aztec Art, dates back to the period of approximately 1450 – 1521 and originates from Mexico. It reflects the artistic sensibilities of the post-classic era in Mesoamerican history, which spanned from about 900 to 1580. This sculpture, possibly infused with pigment originally, is a representation of mythological themes, common in the period’s artistic movements. At present, it can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, highlighting the international appreciation and preservation of cultural artifacts.
The sculpture presents a stone figure with distinct features that are characteristic of Aztec iconography and style. The subject has large circular eyes and a prominent, wide mouth. The facial expression is somewhat stern and static, reflecting the formal and symbolic purpose of such works in Aztec culture, rather than a dedication to naturalistic representation. The head is adorned with decorative elements that are likely to indicate a certain mythological or ritual significance. The posture of the figure is frontal, and there appears to be a directness in its gaze, suggesting an engagement with the viewer or an aspect of ritualistic significance. The use of stone and pigment indicates a combination of materials that were important in Aztec artistic practices, and the work as a whole communicates a sense of the spiritual or divine, which was central to much of the Aztec art and culture.
