Stamp

Culture Aztec-Mexica , Mexico

Regionfrom the area of Central Mexico

Dateabout 1300–1500 CE

Mediumceramic

Dimensions9.5 x 4.5 cm (3 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

Object number1951.136

DescriptionDouble geometric design. Reddish brown; large central scroll and two smaller scrolls on the angles, rays fill in a rectangle that is supportedby a staff with a circle and two prongs.
Label TextPeople in Mesoamerica began making ceramic stamps in the Early Formative period (2000–900 B.C.E.). They were carved to leave thin, raised lines that printed geometric and stylized animal motifs onto textiles, skins, and possibly clay. The knob of clay on the back of the stamp would have acted as a handle.ProvenanceBrooklyn Museum, NY; sold to the Worcester Art Museum, 1951.

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