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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Toltec Art : Toltec Plumbate Head Effigy Vessel
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Toltec Plumbate Head Effigy Vessel - PF.2942
Origin: Soconusco, Guatemala
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1200
AD
Dimensions:
5.25" (13.3cm) high
x 4.125" (10.5cm) wide
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 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 sturdy plumbate vessel has retained its
beautiful
orange hue and sculptural detail. The vessel has
a
beautiful vitrified surface that has been
enhanced
with incision lines represented decorative facial
scarification. Although such works were
commonly
sculpted in the form of heads, this vessel is
unique
because it depicts an elderly woman. Only the
heads
of god and men, or sometimes animals, were
traditionally represented. This woman was
probably a
person of high class or a deity, as her ear spools
and
beautifully decorated headdress indicate. With
her
well-defined, high cheekbones and sharp nose,
the
plumbate vessel holds a fine sculptural quality.
Having been made exclusively in one region
during a
brief period of time, with a secretive method,
this
plumbate vessel is a valuable rarity from
Pre-Columbian history.
- (PF.2942)
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