The artwork, titled “Temple Model”, is a ceramic sculpture attributed to the Aztec Art style, dating from approximately 1400 to 1521 AD. This piece, which belongs to the Post-classic period (circa 900-1580 AD), measures 14.6 by 5.1 cm and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, USA.
The sculpture represents a miniature architectural form, likely a temple, which is consistent with the religious and cultural significance of architecture in Aztec society. The model features a high, tapering apex, suggestive of the iconic pyramid structures commonly associated with Mesoamerican civilizations. The stair-like structure leading up towards the apex indicates ceremonial or ritualistic functions. The ceramic medium itself suggests the artifact’s durability and the advanced craftsmanship of this period. The texture and form of the artwork reflect not only the artistic conventions of the Aztecs but also the cultural reverence for monumental sacred spaces. This work serves as a tangible connection to the spiritual and social practices of the ancient Aztec civilization.
