Obsidian Monkey Vessel

Cultural Context

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.