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Hummingbird Cup

Hummingbird Cup

Culture: Mixteca
Period: Posclásico (1225 d.C.)

Cultural Context

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.

Museum Location

Museo Nacional de Antropología

Zaachila, Valle de Zimatlán, Oaxaca

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Technical Information

Cultural Importance

Culture
Mixteca
Period
Posclásico (1225 d.C.)
Museum Location
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Zaachila, Valle de Zimatlán, Oaxaca

Craftsmanship Details

Dimensions
No especificadas
Material
Cerámica policroma
Technique
Modelado y pintado

Archaeological Context

This piece represents the rich Mesoamerican artistic tradition, reflecting techniques and symbolisms that have endured through generations.

Cultural Context

Discover the profound meaning and historical context of this extraordinary archaeological piece.

Piece Description

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.

Historical Significance

The Mixtec civilization was one of the most culturally sophisticated in Mesoamerica, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship in goldwork, ceramics, and codex painting.

Cultural Importance

Mixtec artisans created elaborate polychrome pottery, intricate bone carvings, and masterful metalwork that represented the pinnacle of Mesoamerican artistic achievement.

Mixteca

Posclásico (1225 d.C.)
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Zaachila, Valle de Zimatlán, Oaxaca

Cultural Legacy

The Mixtec artistic legacy endures through their codices, which are among the finest pre-Columbian manuscripts, and their goldsmithing techniques that influenced artisans across Mesoamerica.

Educational Resources

Historical Context
Geographic Location
Social Context

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