Limestone figure of an old man and boy and Stone figure of old man holding a serpent staff
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Limestone figure of an old man and boy and Stone figure of old man holding a serpent staff
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Published 2017-10-26T15:31:23+00:00
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Description
The wrinkled features and stooping posture of the old man in these sculptures suggest that he represents the aged Huaxtec thunder god 'Mam'. On the left he is seen 'presenting' a young boy, perhaps prior to his initiation into a peer group. On the right the old man is holding a serpent staff or dibble stick used to penetrate the earth so that it can receive new seed. Similar sculptures are still used today as the focus of ceremonial life in remote rural villages in northern Veracruz. At planting time they are decked with greenery and flowers and people entreat them to ensure the fertility of their fields and a bountiful harvest.
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Technical Information
| Date published | 26/10/2017 |
More Information
| Title | Limestone figure of an old man and boy and Stone figure of old man holding a serpent staff |
| Date | AD 900-1450 / Ethno. 1952 Am 11.1 |
| Accession | Ethno. 1985 Am 3.1 |
| Period | Huaxtec |
| Medium | Limestone |
| Credit | Given by Michael Stuart |
| Place | British Museum |
Object Parts
