Ixiptla
Ixiptla
Rooted in Nahuatl wisdom, Ixiptla embodies the profound concept of sacred representation. More than mere replication, it captures the essence of transformation - where an object or being becomes a vessel of divine presence, bridging the physical and spiritual realms.
In this exhibition, we explore these sacred vessels through a curated collection of replicas. Each piece tells a story of our ancestral heritage, offering a window into the deep cultural significance of Mesoamerican artistry.
Explore some of our most iconic Mexican cultural reproductions
This delicate vessel features a hummingbird perched on a cup that could represent a flower. The cup is of the codex type, showing various symbolic designs with stepped fretwork representing serpents and alter ego animals of the gods: a jaguar, two eagles, and an opossum. It was deposited in tomb 1 of Zaachila, dated to 1225 AD.
Stone representation of Mictlantecuhtli, the lord of the underworld in Mexica cosmology. The figure is shown frontally in a seated position with crossed arms, a distinctive feature of death deity representations. The skeletal face and elaborate headdress are iconographic elements that reinforce his identity as a deity of Mictlán, the realm of the dead. This representation is part of the rich Mexica sculptural tradition that sought to materialize fundamental cosmological and religious concepts.
During the peak stage (150-750 BC) the Teotihuacan culture reached its maximum splendor. Proof of this are the objects created by notable artisans who perfected various forms of working with ceramics, both in vessels and in censers, braziers, candlesticks and figurines. Teotihuacan-era figurines are very different in size and type from those of other periods. Most of them were made with molds and retouched. Many of them appear with clothing, partly glued onto a triangular structure.
One of the most emblematic pieces of the National Museum of Anthropology, known as the 'obsidian monkey'. It is a masterpiece of pre-Hispanic art due to the quality of its carving and finish. It was made from golden obsidian from the Sierra de las Navajas, Hidalgo, and its manufacture used various lithic and abrasive materials similar to other pre-Hispanic objects from the Basin of Mexico.
The Maya formed a highly stratified society; this social hierarchy can be reconstructed from the interpretation of their material remains: the numerous figurines and ceramics found in the burials located on the Island of Jaina, situated on the coast of Campeche, where they were deposited as offerings. This figurine represents a female character of high social rank.