Artwork Page for Butterfly Nose Ornament

Details / Information for Butterfly Nose Ornament

Butterfly Nose Ornament

150–200 CE

Central Mexico, Teotihuacán, Classic period

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Medium
jadeite-albitite?
Measurements
Overall: 4.8 x 6.5 x 0.4 cm (1 7/8 x 2 9/16 x 3/16 in.)
Weight: 41.38 g
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.263.2
Public Domain
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Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Print

Description

Near Teotihuacán’s largest palace is a temple ornamented with green-feathered serpents, symbols of the earth’s fertility. Beneath the temple were at least 120 human sacrifices, most men, many warriors, and some wearing greenstone ornaments like these, perhaps a set. The sacrifices may have consecrated the temple or a ruler’s tomb, or both.
A mottled green jadeite and albitite sculpture depicts a stylized butterfly. Two wide, rounded lobes form the upper wings, separated by a flat top edge. Below, two smaller lobes feature curved, incised lines. Tan and brown veins branch through the smooth, polished stone, highlighting natural color variations and textured patterns. The heavy, symmetrical form balances the dense mineral's weight with a soft, organic silhouette.

Butterfly Nose Ornament

150–200 CE

Central Mexico, Teotihuacán, Classic period

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