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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Pre-Columbian Masterpieces : Toltec Plumbate Vessel with a Sculpted Head
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Toltec Plumbate Vessel with a Sculpted Head - PF.6276
Origin: Soconusco, Guatemala
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1200
AD
Dimensions:
7.25" (18.4cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Plumbate
Location: UAE
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| Description |
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The Toltec civilization first gained ascendany in
the
Vallery of Mexico around 900 A.D., after the fall
of
Teotihuacan. Although their origins and early
history
are obscure, the Toltecs appear to have ancient
ties
to both the Mixtec and the Zapotec. The word
Toltec
means “master builders” in the Nahuatl
language, a
testament to the sophistication of Toltec
constructions. Their art and architecture was
highly
influenced by Teotihuacan as well as the ancient
Olmec
culture. The Toltecs were technologically
advanced,
capable of smelting metals. Their stonework was
impecible as the ruins of Tula demonstrate. This
archaeological site is believed to be Tollan, the
legendary capital of the Toltec civilization
referred
to in a number of postconquest sources. Their
social
structure was headed by an elite class of
warriors.
Excavation have uncovered the ceremonial center
that
included a pyramid structure topped by a temple
dedicated to the hero-god Quetzalcoatl.
Pottery vessels of this type with their distinctive
orange hues and shiney surfaces are known as
plumbate-ware. During the height of the Toltec
civilization, plumate works were produced at
only one
place: on the Pacific slope of the Soconusco
region in
modern Guatemala. Furthermore, the process by
which it
was made seems to have been a closely guarded
secret.
Such wares were highly valued throughout
Mesoamerica
and were traded along commercial networks that
extended as far as Panama. Plumate was so
desirable in
part because it maintains an exceptional
hardness that
can be scarcely scratched with steel.
This cylindrical plumbate vessel has retained its
beautiful orange hue and sculptural detail, which
inlcudes a prominent head that emerges from
the side.
Featuring deeply incised circular eyes, a fringe
beard, and tasseled earrings, this face, although
it
may appear to be the head of a human, can be
recognized as the visage of the mighty rain god,
Tlaloc. Tlaloc was one of the most important
gods of
the ancient Pre-Columbian pantheon who
worshipped from
Mexico to Costa Rica. Such a vessel, honoring
this
powerful deity, would have likely served a
ceremonial
purpose. Perhaps Toltec priests once drank from
this
vessel while standing high atop a pyramid in a
temple
dedicated to Tlaloc.
- (PF.6276)
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