The artwork titled “Maize Deity (Chicomecoatl)” was crafted by an anonymous Aztec artist during the period between approximately 1450 and 1521. This basalt sculpture belongs to the Post-classic art movement, which spans from around 900 to 1580. It is categorized under mythological sculptures and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, USA.
The sculpture represents the Aztec maize deity Chicomecoatl, whose name translates to “Seven Serpent.” Made from basalt, the artwork exhibits a robust and somewhat coarse texture, characteristic of the material and the era. The figure is depicted in a stylized manner, with geometric patterns adorning the headdress and garment. These patterns and the deity’s attire likely bear symbolic meanings connected to maize and fertility. The overall form is rigid and symmetrical, embodying a sense of solemnity and reverence. The deity’s face, albeit abstract, conveys a sense of stoic presence, reinforcing the spiritual significance the Aztecs placed on agricultural deities. This piece not only represents religious reverence but also displays the artistic prowess and cultural richness of the Aztec civilization.
