The artwork titled “Maize Deity (Chicomecoatl)” is a basalt sculpture created by Aztec artists during the Post-classic period, approximately between 900 to 1580 AD. This mythological representation is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, United States. The sculpture is a prime example of Aztec artistry and religious symbolism, reflecting the cultural significance of maize in the Aztec civilization.
The basalt sculpture portrays the Maize Deity, Chicomecoatl, a central figure in Aztec mythology associated with fertility and agriculture. The artwork features a stylized human face, adorned with intricate patterns and geometric shapes that represent traditional Aztec attire and iconography. The rough texture and robust form of the basalt stone convey both the permanence and the spiritual weight of the deity in Aztec society. The careful attention to detail, visible in the deity’s headdress and symbolic adornments, underscores the importance of maize as a staple crop and a divine gift to the Aztec people. The artwork stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Aztec civilization, preserved and displayed for contemporary appreciation and study.
