Brooklyn Museum: Collections: Arts of the Americas

Reclining Jaguar. Mexico. Aztec artist, 1440–1521. Volcanic stone, 5 x 11 x 5 3/4 in. (12.7 x 27.9 x 14.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund, 38.45

This reclining jaguar is an excellent example of Aztec naturalistic sculpture. Every part of the animal is carefully rendered, including the underside, where the paw pads are carved in low relief. To the Aztecs, the jaguar symbolized power, courage, and war. For example, the highest-ranking warriors were called jaguar and eagle warriors, and rulers associated themselves with Tezcatlipoca, or "Smoking Mirror," a deity who sometimes took the guise of this powerful predator. Rulers were also depicted wearing and sitting on jaguar skins. In addition, as a night hunter, the jaguar was associated with danger and darkness. We do not know why or for whom naturalistic representations of animals and plants were carved, but they may have been placed in temples or palaces or in the homes of elite families. This sculpture may have also adorned a military academy where jaguar warriors were trained.

Return