Standard bearer

Standard bearer, stone, Mexica-Aztec, c. 1325-1521 CE, height 74 cms., Ethnological Museum, Berlin (collected by Carl Uhde in the 1830s).

In its left hand this figure originally held a banner or a standard. Presumably there was once a precious green stone set in the cavity on its chest. Standard bearers stood on pyramid terraces. The depiction here follows the strict and clear ideals of Aztec sculptors.

From the museum display caption.

Photo kindly taken and sent by Rob from Germany