Hacha or marker
ca. 600-900 | k. k. Münz- und Antikenkabinett
This sculpture made of green stone depicts a turkey fanning out its tail. Besides dogs and bees, turkeys were the only domesticated animals in pre-Spanish Mesoamerica, where they were an important source of food. Turkey meat was also included in sacrifices offered to the gods. Note the realistic, three-dimensional rendering of the bird‘s head with its characteristic comb hanging on one side. This sculpture is connected with the Mesoamerican ball game. It served as a hacha, that is the stomach protection of a player participating in the ball game. It remains unclear if players actually wore stone sculptures like this one, or if they are only ceremonial copies of stomach protections made of a lighter material.
This sculpture made of green stone depicts a turkey fanning out its tail. Besides dogs and bees, turkeys were the only domesticated animals in pre-Spanish Mesoamerica, where they were an important source of food. Turkey meat was also included in sacrifices offered to the gods. Note the realistic, three-dimensional rendering of the bird‘s head with its characteristic comb hanging on one side. This sculpture is connected with the Mesoamerican ball game. It served as a hacha, that is the stomach protection of a player participating in the ball game. It remains unclear if players actually wore stone sculptures like this one, or if they are only ceremonial copies of stomach protections made of a lighter material.
Collection:
k. k. Münz- und Antikenkabinett
Collection:
Maximilian Sohn des Franz Karl Joseph von Habsburg Österreich Kaiser von Mexiko (1832 Wien - 1867 Querétaro (Mexiko)) DNB
Time:
ca. 600-900
Entry Date:
1881
Object Name
Hacha or marker
Culture
Mexiko
Material/technology:
Stone
Copyright
Weltmuseum Wien
Collection area
North and Central America
Invs.
12410
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