Mixtec: Artifacts from the Cloud People of Mesoamerica

Mixtec: Artifacts from the Cloud People of Mesoamerica (700CE - 1521CE)

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      ITEM SOLD
      Mixtec Stone Funerary Knife - 8th to 12th Century CE | Mallone Collection
      Mixtec Stone Funerary Knife - 8th to 12th Century CE | Mallone Collection
      $1,515.00
      Mixtec Obsidian Lidded Jar - 13th to 16th Century CE | Rare Malter's Auction
      Mixtec Obsidian Lidded Jar - 13th to 16th Century CE | Rare Malter's Auction
      $1,515.00
      ITEM SOLD
      Mixtec Jade Anthropomorphic Figure - 13th to 14th Century CE | Exquisite Pre-Columbian Art
      Mixtec Jade Anthropomorphic Figure - 13th to 14th Century CE | Exquisite Pre-Columbian Art
      $3,392.00

      Discover the wonders of the Mixtec civilization with our collection of genuine artifacts. Delve into the legacy of a people renowned for their intricate artistry, codices, and resilient spirit in the heart of ancient Mesoamerica.

      The Mixtecs, or 'Cloud People', were one of the prominent civilizations of Mesoamerica, flourishing in the regions of modern-day Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero. With their intricate art, detailed codices, and complex city-states, the Mixtecs have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of ancient American cultures.

      Key Contributions:

      • Codices: The Mixtecs are celebrated for their detailed codices, which are among the few pre-Columbian pictorial documents to have survived. These codices provide invaluable insights into their history, beliefs, and daily life.
      • Goldsmithing and Jewelry: Renowned for their skills in metallurgy, the Mixtecs crafted intricate jewelry and ceremonial objects, often using gold and turquoise.
      • Ceramics and Pottery: Mixtec pottery, adorned with intricate designs and motifs, showcases their artistic prowess and cultural narratives.
      • Architecture: Their city-states, like Tilantongo and Tututepec, boasted impressive architectural feats, including temples, palaces, and plazas.

      Regions: The Mixtec civilization thrived in various regions, each with its unique significance:

      • Oaxaca Valley: The heartland of the Mixtec culture, dotted with city-states and ceremonial centers.
      • Puebla: A region of strategic importance, connecting the Mixtecs with other Mesoamerican cultures.
      • Guerrero: Coastal regions that facilitated trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring civilizations.

      Valued Materials: The Mixtecs, with their rich cultural and spiritual traditions, cherished various materials:

      • Gold and Silver: Used extensively in jewelry, ceremonial objects, and as offerings to the gods.
      • Turquoise: A prized gemstone, often used in mosaics and jewelry.
      • Obsidian: Employed for tools, weapons, and ritual objects.
      • Clay: The primary medium for their renowned pottery and ceramic art.

      Relevant Time Periods: The history of the Mixtec civilization spans several centuries, marked by phases of growth, conflict, and cultural efflorescence:

      • Early Mixtec (c. 700–1000 AD): Formation and consolidation of Mixtec city-states and cultures.
      • Classic Mixtec (c. 1000–1300 AD): A period of artistic and cultural peak, marked by the creation of many of their famous codices.
      • Late Mixtec (c. 1300–1521 AD): Encounters with the Aztecs and eventual confrontation with Spanish conquistadors.

      Dive into our curated collection of Mixtec artifacts, each echoing tales of priests, artisans, and warriors. From gold filigree earrings to painted ceramic vessels, immerse yourself in the legacy of the Cloud People.