The artwork titled “Head of a Water Deity (Chalchiuhtlicue)” is a piece of Aztec art dating from approximately 1450 to 1521. Carved from basalt, it belongs to the Post-classic period, ranging from circa 900 to 1580. This sculpture, representing mythological themes, is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, US.
The sculpture depicts the head of Chalchiuhtlicue, an Aztec water deity revered for her association with rivers, seas, and childbirth. The piece is carved with intricate detail, displaying a stylized headdress and facial features characterized by textured basalt. The deity’s serene yet powerful visage is a testament to the craftsmanship and rich cultural symbolism of the Aztec civilization.
