The “Crested Figure (Macuilxochitl)” is a piece of stone sculpture that is attributed to Aztec art and dates back to the period between 1450 and 1521, during the Post-classic era of Mesoamerican history, which spans from approximately 900 to 1580 AD. This artistic creation falls under the genres of sculpture and mythological painting, indicating that it likely represents a figure from Aztec mythology. The sculpture is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) located in New York City, NY, in the United States.
The presented image shows a stone figure with obvious signs of weathering and erosion, indicating its age and authenticity. The figure appears seated with its legs crossed at the ankles, its arms wrapping around the front of the bent knees. It possesses a prominent, crested headpiece that contributes to its name. The sculpture’s details have been smoothed over time, and its features are eroded, which can make it difficult to decipher specific characteristics. Although the figure is clearly human-like in its pose, much of its intended symbolism and the intricacies of its design might have been lost or obscured over the centuries.
