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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Cultural Context

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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 Maya civilization developed one of the most sophisticated cultures in Mesoamerica, with extraordinary advances in astronomy, mathematics, writing, and art.

Cultural Importance

Their works reflect a deep connection with the cosmos, nature, and deities, using complex symbolisms that tell sacred stories.

Mixteca

Posclásico (1225 d.C.)

Museo Nacional de Antropología

Zaachila, Valle de Zimatlán, Oaxaca

Cultural Legacy

The Maya legacy endures today, influencing contemporary art and keeping alive a millennial tradition.

Educational Resources

Historical Context

Geographic Location

Social Context

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Female Priest Figurine

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.

Male Anthropomorphic Figurine

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Mictlantecuhtli, God of Death

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.

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Hummingbird Cup

Cultural Context

Museum Location

Explore in 3D

Technical Information

Cultural Importance

Craftsmanship Details

Archaeological Context

Cultural Context

Piece Description

Historical Significance

Cultural Importance

Mixteca

Cultural Legacy

Educational Resources

Similar artifacts

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Male Anthropomorphic Figurine

Mictlantecuhtli, God of Death

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Female Priest Figurine

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Explore the complete collection

Hummingbird Cup

Cultural Context

Museum Location

Explore in 3D

Technical Information

Cultural Importance

Craftsmanship Details

Archaeological Context

Cultural Context

Piece Description

Historical Significance

Cultural Importance

Mixteca

Cultural Legacy

Educational Resources

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Female Priest Figurine

Male Anthropomorphic Figurine

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Female Priest Figurine

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Explore the complete collection