1973.48 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 male figure, the body tends to be idealized in form with a focus on the human face, and less emphasis on the definition of individual features, form, or expression. The almond-shaped eyes, flared nostrils, flattened nose, large lips, and open mouth reflect features common to the Teotihuacan style. The slanted forehead may represent cranial deformation, in which head flattening or binding intentionally alters the shape of the skull, a form of ritual beautification common among Mesoamerican peoples. The hands rest at the hips, and portions of both legs are missing. The figure wears a decorated headband, 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. This carved figure is both impersonal yet imposing, and conveys an emblematic sense of authority.

Pre-Columbian (American): AAT: 300016619

Teotihuacán: AAT: 300017031

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

Teotihuacán (deserted settlement): TGN: 7007218

greenstone (rock): AAT: 300386691

carving: AAT: 300053149

incising: AAT: 300053847

polishing (finishing): AAT: 300053867

drillwork (sculpture technique): AAT: 300186211

Teotihuacán II period (Miccaotli / Central Plateau Mesoamerican styles and periods): AAT: 300017017

Teotihuacán III period (Tlamimilolpa/Central Plateau Mesoamerican style and period): 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

head: AAT: 300262520

beautification: AAT: 300111985

deformation: AAT: 300072976

body modification: AAT: 300262468

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

headdresses: AAT: 300046023

headbands (headgear): AAT: 300046115

circles (plane figures): AAT: 300055627

geometric motifs: AAT: 300009764

fragments (object portions): AAT: 300117130

inlays (decorations): AAT: 300256033

teeth (animal components): AAT: 300400467

ritual (events): AAT: 300065284

clothing: AAT: 300266639

authority (concepts): DMA

green (color): AAT: 300128438

n.d: Dr. and Sra. Josué Sáenz, Mexico, D.F. [1], [2]

Until 1973: Edward H. Merrin Gallery, Inc. [1], [2]

From 1973: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene McDermott and The Eugene McDermott Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Algur H. Meadows and the Meadows Foundation, Incorporated, purchased from the above [1], [2], [3]

[1] The main source for this provenance is Object Worksheet (n.d., 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 Acquisition Record (dated March 13, 1973, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records Object File). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

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

Apply to objects where number equals 1973.48