Seated Figure of the Wind God (Ehecatl)

Artist:Aztec

Medium: Stone

Geograhical Locations:

• Orizaba, State of Veracruz, Mexico

Dates:ca. 1440–1521

Dimensions: 11 7/16 x 7 1/16 x 6 11/16 in. (27.1 x 17.9 x 17 cm)

Collections:

• Arts of the Americas

Exhibitions:

• Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving
• Climate in Crisis: Environmental Change in the Indigenous Americas

Accession Number: 48.22.6

Image: 48.22.6.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Volcanic stone figure of a seated man wearing a turban with left hand on knee and right hand shaped in a clenched fist as if to hold an object - perhaps a banner or flag was placed here during a festival. He wears a characteristic loincloth (maxtlatl) but elaborate ear ornaments and headdress suggest that he may represent a deity. The central flower motif of the headdress surrounded by four tassels that end in jade ornaments (chalchihites) is often associated with Ehecatl, the wind god. Small sculptures such as this probably adorned shrines and were venerated during festivals associated with agricultural renewal. Condition good; surface abraded in places.

Brooklyn Museum