This green stone pendant/pectoral is skillfully
carved to show intricate image of a warrior and a
captive. As we look into the carving, we feel as if
we are staring into an ancient photograph that
was transported through the time obstacle.
Aztecs are largely known as warlike and
bloodthirsty, practicing human sacrifices.
Although their wars and sacrifice did indeed act
as instrument of terror, such practices had
deeper significance in the Aztec belief that the
shedding of human blood ensured fertility of the
land and renewal of the seasons. The Aztec
military had a strict hierarchical system, with a
supreme council of four noblemen governing the
army. They had separate military societies
according to the ranks, and all the soldiers in
these societies were entitled to wear attire
appropriate to their ranks. Headgear, jewelry,
cloaks, and emblems were strictly prescribed,
and were personally handed to the warriors
during special ceremonies. Moreover, warriors
were graded according to the number of captives
they took, and each new rank entitled the warrior
to wear a more elaborate costume. The warrior
portrayed on this carving must have been a
high-ranking officer, for he is wearing a large,
elaborate headgear, earspools, a pectoral piece,
and wrist and ankle cuffs. And while holding a
shield and spears in one hand, he is holding his
captive by his hair--a symbolic way of
representing a captive. His captive also happens
to be a person of importance, as his fancy
costume suggests. Such magnificent carving
possesses an intricate beauty that demands our
undivided attention. The small holes on the
sides and the top of the carving indicate that
perhaps it was worn as a pendant or a pectoral
piece. As great as this stone carving is, whoever
wore it must have been a great warrior.
- (PF.3187)
|
