1976.41 Standing figure (Teotihuacan, Mexico)

The human figure was a popular sculptural theme at Teotihuacan (Teotihuacán), carved in a range of sizes and in a variety of stones. As exemplified in this carved obsidian standing figure, the body tends to be idealized in form with a focus on the human face with less emphasis on the definition of individual features, form, or expression. The almond-shaped eyes, flattened nose, and large mouth reflect features common to the Teotihuacan style. The hands rest clasped across the chest and may indicate a ritual gesture, but further costume details are absent. Though the original function of such figures are unknown, both figures and masks were often inlaid with additional decoration, usually on the teeth and eyes, and often dressed for special occasions. Despite the miniature scale, this carved figure is both impersonal, yet imposing, and conveys an emblematic sense of authority.

Teotihuacan, III, 250–650 C.E., updated by KJones in TMS on 03/31/14.

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Teotihuacán (deserted settlement): TGN: 7007218

obsidian (volcanic glass / pyroclastic rock): AAT: 300011254

carving: AAT: 300053149

incising: AAT: 300053847

polishing (finishing): AAT: 300053867

drillwork (sculpture technique): AAT: 300186211

Teotihuacán III Period (Tlamimilolpa): AAT: 300017018

Classic (mesoamerican period): AAT: 300016983

sculpture: AAT: 300047090

figurine: AAT: 300047455

ritual objects: AAT: 300312158

standing: AAT:  300239500

male: AAT: 300189559

figures: AAT: 300189808

human figures: AAT: 300404114

portrait: AAT: 300015637

faces (animal or human components): AAT: 300251798

face: DMA

masks (costume): AAT: 300138758

funerary objects: AAT: 300234126

funerary sculpture: AAT: 300184644

eyes (animal or human components): AAT: 300400484

nose: DMA

mouth: DMA

hands (animal or human components): AAT: 300310193

gesture: AAT: 300056179

inlays (decorations): AAT: 300256033

teeth (animal components): AAT: 300400467

ritual (events): AAT: 300065284

authority (concepts): DMA

black (color): AAT: 300130920

miniature (size): AAT: 300121995

n.d.: Dean Warner [1]

n.d.: Michele Herling [1]

Until 1976: Jerry L. Abramson (d. 2007), Dallas [1], [2], [3], [4]

From 1976: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of Celia B. and Jerry L. Abramson, in memory of Max Abramson [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Acquisition Checklist (dated December 08, 1976, 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 Jerry L. Abramson to Harry S. Parker III, Director of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (dated December 04, 1976, 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 Acquisition Record (dated December 08, 1976, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[4] The main source for this provenance is signed statement from Jerry L. Abramson (dated December 08, 1976, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[5] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

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