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Stuccoed stone human skull effigy, architectural element / Mesoamerican; Aztec

Essay/Description

Human skull effigy. Possibly part of an effigy skull rack similar to those at the base of the Great Pyramid in Mexico City. The actual skull rack or tzompantli in the ceremonial district of Tenochtitlan was used to display the severed heads of sacrificial victims. Human sacrifice was performed to appease or feed the gods and to maintain political authority.

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Title(s): 
Stuccoed stone human skull effigy, architectural element
Culture: 
Mesoamerican; Aztec
Date: 
1300 - 1521 CE
Period: 
Late Post-Classic
Place: 
México
Materials/Techniques: 
stone
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
61.8893
Department: 
Not On View

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