1985.150 Labret [Pair, 1 of 2] (Oaxaca, Mexico, Mixtec)

Mixtec artisans excelled at lapidary work and were famous for their extraordinarily refined miniature carvings made in a variety of materials, creating objects of virtually perfect design and workmanship. Smaller decorative ornaments were part of the larger elaborate costume accoutrements for nobility—often worn on the face, forehead, and chest—and projected both elite status and supernatural power.   

The design and execution of this obsidian labret is perfectly balanced, meeting the Mixtec standards of excellence. Black obsidian was also an important trade good from the volcanic highlands, which would further indicate the luxury and status associated with such items carved from this precious material. It would have originally been worn inserted into a hole in or near the lower lip, so that the cylindrical part projects, while the lateral wings fit behind the lip for stability. The Codex Zouche-Nuttall, the manuscript narrating the sacred history of the Mixtecs, depicts elaborately costumed Mixtec lords wearing labrets. The codex paintings show that when a Mixtec chief was made a lord, his lip was pierced by the claw of an eagle or a jaguar. 

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Mixtec: AAT: 300017180

worn costume accessories: AAT: 300209274

jewelry: AAT: 300209286

ornaments: AAT: 300266794

labrets (jewelry): AAT: 300211525

jewelry worn on the head: AAT: 300209301

social status: AAT: 300065206

nobility (nobles / aristocracy): AAT: 300025942

rulers (people): AAT: 300025475

prestige: AAT: 300343604

supernatural (concepts): AAT: 300055947

power: AAT: 300374809

symmetry: AAT: 300056249

manuscripts (document genre): AAT: 300028569

jaguar: AAT: 300310389

eagle: AAT: 300250049

trade (function): AAT: 300061886

luxury (concept / condition): DMA

shiny (shine): AAT: 300065244

Until 1985: Jerry L. Abramson (d. 2007), Dallas [1], [2], [3]

From 1985: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Celia B. and Jerry L. Abramson, in memory of Max Abramson [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Record (dated December 04, 1985, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[2] The main source for this provenance is letter from John Lunsford, Senior Curator of the Dallas Museum of Art, to Celia B. and Jerry L. Abramson (dated December 11, 1985), copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File, Confidential). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[3] The main source for this provenance is Deed of Gift (dated December 20, 1985, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

Apply to objects where number equals 1985.150