Teotihuacan
Mexico
Standing figure, c. 200600
Deep green jadeite
7 5/8 inches
The Saint Louis Art Museum, Gift of Morton D. May, 264:1978
Most Teotihuacan figural sculpture is block-like
and angular, with the features carved in low relief. They are
most commonly found sculpted from jade, a precious material to
this culture. The figure is wearing a banded headdress and earspools,
typical of Teotihuacan adornment. Horizontal grooves near the
waist indicate a belt or loincloth. The sculpture has a sawed
separation between its legs and deep grooves to delineate the
arms, which are held firmly at the sides. The backs of the knees
are notched to make them seem slightly bent, implying arrested
movement and readiness for action.