Collections: Arts of the Americas: Reclining Jaguar

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Reclining Jaguar

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.


• Culture: Aztec
• Medium: Stone
• Place Found: Mexico
• Dates: 1440-1521
• Dimensions: 5 x 11 x 5 3/4 in. (12.7 x 27.9 x 14.6 cm)
• Collections: Arts of the Americas
• Museum Location: This item is not on view
• Accession Number: 38.45
• Credit Line: Carll H. de Silver Fund
• Image: Overall, 38.45_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Aztec. Reclining Jaguar, 1440-1521. 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 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 38.45_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Reclining grey stone jaguar. Tail curved above one hind leg that rests on the other. All parts of the animal are carefully carved with the eyes and mouth open and the jaguar's two straight paws extending in front of body. The side of the tail is partly broken; the stone is chipped in a few places, but the overall condition is good.