The artwork, titled “Labret, Eagle Head,” is a piece of Aztec art dating from approximately c.1300 to c.1521. Crafted from gold, this artifact belongs to the Post-classic period, which spans from c.900 to 1580. The artwork represents the genre of jewelry and animal painting, and it finds its current residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) located in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork showcases a meticulous and intricate representation of an eagle’s head in gold. The form captures the essence of the eagle with stylized details that reflect the artistic prowess of the Aztec civilization. The contours of the beak, eyes, and feathers are rendered with precision, highlighting the eagle’s prominence in Aztec culture. This ornamental piece not only served a decorative purpose but also likely held significant cultural and symbolic meaning within the context of Aztec society. The smooth surface and polished finish of the gold further amplify the elegance and craftsmanship of this historical artifact.
