Plaque with Elite Figure

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Plaque with Elite Figure

Place of OriginMexico, Oaxaca

Dateabout 900 CE

DimensionsL: 4 3/4 in.; W: 2 7/8 in.

MediumNephrite

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1948.56

Not on View

Label TextThe palm-sized, greenish nephrite plaque delineates a shallow relief figure wearing large circular ear flares and a pectoral necklace. A large belt embraces his waist. Because of his bare chest with a large pectoral and other distinctive body paraphernalia, this figure is male and could be a part of a ruling group with elite status. His large, step-designed headdress is decorated with profile facial motifs. Specifically, these two decorative head motifs seem almost to mimic the stone relief sculptures called the Danzantes (dancing figures) from Building L, Monte Alban, one of the major sites of the Zapotec Civilization. Scholars disagree on whether to identify similar plaques as being from the Maya or the Zapotecs. Jadeite plaques were popularly made in Maya cultures for offerings and body paraphernalia. Usually, these plaques have a trapezoidal shape, suggesting they are intended to be worn by elites or thrown into cenotes. The shape of this plaque is unique.