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Grooved and polished obsidian labret or lip plug / Mesoamerican

Essay/Description

Sometimes called a lip plug or labret, these objects were worn through the lower lip. This unusual example is very delicate and has a needle-like form. Perhaps it refers to blood-letting ritual which was an important part of Mesoamerican religion.

Often they were inset with turquoise, pyrite or other material. They were made by grinding and polishing a single flawless piece of obsidian into this form. Labrets would have been worn by high status individuals.

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Title(s): 
Grooved and polished obsidian labret or lip plug
Culture: 
Mesoamerican
Date: 
Unknown
Period: 
Postclassic
Place: 
Central Mexico, México
Materials/Techniques: 
obsidian
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
61.8569
Department: 
Not On View

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