Aztec. Relief with Maize Goddess (Chicomecóatl), 1440–1521. Stone, 15 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 3 3/8 in. (39.4 x 29.8 x 8.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 51.109. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.109.jpg)
Aztec. Relief with Maize Goddess (Chicomecóatl), 1440–1521. Stone, 15 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 3 3/8 in. (39.4 x 29.8 x 8.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 51.109. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.109_acetate_bw.jpg)
Relief with Maize Goddess (Chicomecóatl)
Arts of the Americas
The importance of maize (corn) and chocolate, two of the many plants native to the Americas, is exemplified by these Aztec sculptures.
The relief panel of the maize goddess Chicomecóatl may have been set into an altar. Chicomecóatl controlled the positive and negative powers of growth and famine. Her elaborate headdress is topped by two ears of corn. In her right hand, she holds a snake-shaped rattle staff, used to penetrate and fertilize the soil.
The man carrying a cacao pod may represent one of the merchants who brought cacao beans from the tropical coastal lowlands to the Valley of Mexico. Chocolate, made from the beans of the cacao pod, was a popular drink in Aztec society.
The relief panel of the maize goddess Chicomecóatl may have been set into an altar. Chicomecóatl controlled the positive and negative powers of growth and famine. Her elaborate headdress is topped by two ears of corn. In her right hand, she holds a snake-shaped rattle staff, used to penetrate and fertilize the soil.
The man carrying a cacao pod may represent one of the merchants who brought cacao beans from the tropical coastal lowlands to the Valley of Mexico. Chocolate, made from the beans of the cacao pod, was a popular drink in Aztec society.
CULTURE
Aztec
MEDIUM
Stone
DATES
1440–1521
DIMENSIONS
15 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 3 3/8 in. (39.4 x 29.8 x 8.6 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
51.109
CREDIT LINE
A. Augustus Healy Fund
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1930, provenance not yet documented; by 1930, acquired by an unidentified collector in Mexico City, Mexico; between 1930 and 1937, provenance not yet documented; by 1937, acquired by Ernest Ascher of Paris, France; 1937, purchased from Ernest Ascher by Pierre Matisse of New York, NY; 1951, purchased from Pierre Matisse by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Stone panel with relief carving of corn goddess, Chicomecoatl (Seven Serpent). In right hand, she holds a snake shaped rattlestick (chicahuaztli). The tail of the snake may be shaped like a "solar ray" or phallic symbol. Both are thought to represent penetrating and fertilizing the soils. In her left hand, she may hold a plant, or an oztopilin which is a ritual staff adorned with paper flowers. The headdress consists of a headband made by wrapping a cord around the forehead several times. This cord has a border of beads above and below. Two fan-shaped elements on either side of the headdress represent folded amate paper ornaments. Two stalks of corn sit atop the headdress. The figure wears a shawl (quechquemitl) and a typical skirt (cueitl) The figure wears two jade necklaces, anklets possibly made from shell, and wristlets in the shape of the hieroglyph chalchiutl which means "precious stone." The goddess's feet are turned out at right angles and she wears sandals with decorative elements. Relief panels like this were usually set into the walls of temples or altars.
Condition: good; some surface wear.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Aztec. Relief with Maize Goddess (Chicomecóatl), 1440–1521. Stone, 15 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 3 3/8 in. (39.4 x 29.8 x 8.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 51.109. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.109.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 51.109.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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