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Figure of Idol

ca. late 15th–early 16th century
Not on view
Carefully carved and polished from hard greenstone, this small figure sits in quiet repose with crossed arms resting atop its bent knees. This, and similar figures belong to a long-established lapidary tradition found across Mesoamerica known as penates. Derived from Latin to describe household deities, penates are likely manifestations of ancestors — their stiffened posture resembling a burial position for the deceased.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Figure of Idol
  • Date: ca. late 15th–early 16th century
  • Culture: Mixtec (Oaxaca, Mexico)
  • Medium: Jadeite, sage-green
  • Dimensions: H. 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); W. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); L. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
  • Classification: Jade
  • Credit Line: Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
  • Object Number: 02.18.313
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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