2008.84 Fragment with profile human figure and plants (Maya, Mexico)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The carved images kings wore on their foreheads and chests projected supernatural power. This gold fragment with a male figure was likely originally suspended from a necklace, worn hanging over the chest. Though only partially visible, the figure is shown in profile, surrounded by vegetation. This image may represent an ancestor, an elite individual, or the ruler himself. Objects such as these often accompanied the king on his journey through death to the otherworld.

Elaine Higgins Smith, Digital Collections Content Coordinator, 2016.

Drawn from

Carol Robbins, Label text [1968.20], A. H. Meadows Galleries, 2010.
Getty Vocabulary, AAT (pendants (jewelry): AAT: 300046002).

NOTES

Maya, Early Postclassic period, 900–1300 C.E., updated by KJones in TMS on 09/23/13, 06/18/14, and 03/14/16.
Part of same accession (2008.74-90); share 1 object file (2 folders); 2008.84 has individual TMS object record.

Catalogue essays

Artist/designers

Cultures

Maya

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Maya: AAT: 300017826

Lowland Maya: AAT: 300017099

Geography

Mesoamerica

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Process/materials

gold: AAT: 300011021

goldwork: AAT: 300044045

repoussé: AAT: 300054023

sheet metal: AAT: 300223016

metalwork: AAT: 300015336

Historical periods

Postclassic (Mesoamerican period): AAT: 300016987

Early Postclassic period (Mesoamerican periods and styles): AAT: 300016989

Individuals

Subject terms

fragments (object portions): AAT: 300117130

worn costume accessories: AAT: 300209274

plaque (flat objects): AAT: 300010262

pectorals (jewelry): AAT: 300211902

medallions (ornament areas): AAT: 300077354

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

profiles (figures): AAT: 300123319

figures: AAT: 300189808

profiles (figures): AAT: 300123319

head: AAT: 300262520

faces (animal or human components): AAT: 300251798

face: DMA

male: AAT: 300189559

rulers (people): AAT: 300025475

deities: AAT: 300343850

ancestors: AAT: 300255718

plant-derived motifs: AAT: 300164599

foliation (pattern): AAT: 300165104

RELATED OBJECTS

PROVENANCE

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

From 2008: Dallas Museum of Art, given in memory of Jerry L. Abramson by his estate [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is letter from Bonnie Pitman, Director of the Dallas Museum of Art, to Thomas E. Rosen, Executor, estate of Jerry L. Abramson (dated December 22, 2008, 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 receipt and release form signed by Bonnie Pitman, Director of the Dallas Museum of Art, and Thomas E. Rosen, Executor, estate of Jerry L. Abramson (dated January 30, 2009, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[3] The main source for this provenance is Deed of Gift from estate of Jerry L. Abramson (dated January 30, 2009, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

AUDIO ASSETS

VIDEO ASSETS

IMAGE ASSETS

WEB RESOURCES

ARCHIVAL RESOURCES

FUN FACTS

TEACHING IDEAS

RULES

Apply to objects where number equals 2008.84