Large Ceramic Maize God

This fine replica of a seated God is typical of the thousands of statues that have been found in Central America dating from 1, 500 BC up to the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. The cultures varied greatly over time and were centred in differing parts of Central America ranging from the Olmecs, Toltecs, Zapotecs through to the more famous Mayan and Aztec civilisations. However, many of the gods were universal to all the civilisations. The Spanish in their Christian zeal destroyed most of the records of the cultures they conquered so identification of the many statues and gods is very difficult. The head wear on this god gives clues. The headdress of maize leaves indicate that the god was a version of the God of Maize - the staple crop of the area and worshipped because its successful harvest meant the difference between life and death. Images of the gods changed over time and varied from place to place - but it is possibly an image of a Mayan maize god. The Mayans believed that 13 different gods created humanity from maize so it is virtually impossible to say which of the 13 this figure represents.

Specifications: 25cm × 46cm × 16cm

Origin: Mexico