Untitled

Unknown

ca. late 15th–early 16th century · Jadeite, sage-green · Asian Art

Carefully carved and polished from hard greenstone, this small figure sits in quiet repose with crossed arms resting atop its bent knees. This, and similar figures belong to a long-established lapidary tradition found across Mesoamerica known as penates. Derived from Latin to describe household deities, penates are likely manifestations of ancestors — their stiffened posture resembling a burial position for the deceased.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. late 15th–early 16th century

Medium

Jadeite, sage-green

Culture

Mexico

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902