The artwork, “Tlazolteotl (Birthing Figure),” is an extraordinary stone sculpture attributed to Aztec Art from the Post-classic period (c. 900-1580). Categorized under the genres of sculpture and mythological painting, this significant piece is currently housed in the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork portrays a vividly detailed female figure in the act of childbirth, capturing a moment of vitality and vigor. This stone sculpture exemplifies the Aztec’s exceptional craftsmanship and profound cultural symbolism. The figure is depicted in a crouching position, her facial expression intense yet composed, portraying strength and resilience. The emerging infant, shown between her legs, highlights the themes of fertility, birth, and the cyclical nature of life central to Aztec mythology. The raw and intricate details emphasize the reverence the Aztecs held for their deities and the natural processes they personified. The earthy tones of the stone and the meticulous carving techniques render this piece both historically invaluable and aesthetically captivating.
