Can you help?

We receive enquiries from all over the world from individuals who have unusual artefacts in their possession that they want identified. We’re happy to upload these images/queries here, in the hope that readers may be able to shed more light on the items in question. Over to you...! We can only offer very basic guidance, and *PLEASE NOTE*: enquirers should be aware that there are international conventions - such as the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Property - as well as individual country laws preventing the illicit transfer and sale of cultural property. We at Mexicolore STRONGLY support these laws.

Click on each image to open up a large version, to read the background information and to send in a comment...

Problem: Figurines

Problem: Necklace with pendant

Problem: Small round disc

Problem: Another small statuette

Problem: Bracelet

Problem: 3 more figures

Problem: Male figure with rabbit on head

Problem: 3 figures

Problem: ‘Mayan’ statue

Problem: Costume figure

Problem: Obsidian monkey effigy jar

Problem: Ceramic pot

Problem: Mayan jade pendant

Problem: Silver pendant

Problem: Two wooden carvings

Problem: Maya whistle

Problem: Ocarina

Problem: Another small clay figure...

Problem: Maya metal ornament?

Problem: Another stone statue...

Problem: Statuette

Problem: Statue of goddess

Problem: Mexican seal

Problem: ‘Idol’

Problem: Xipe Totec statue

Problem: Stone sculpture

Problem: 3 ‘dolls’ heads

Problem: Large ring with deity

Problem: Terra cotta dog

Problem: ‘Teotihuacan bottle’

Problem: Flat stamp

Problem: Giant statue of Coatlicue

Problem: Small statue

Problem: Small stone carvings

Problem: Fish shaped flute

Problem: Two figures

Problem: ‘Papa’s treasures’ 2

Problem: ‘Papa’s treasures’ 1

Problem: Sun symbol

Problem: Statue from Tamazula

Problem: Another clay figure...

Problem: Tattoo serpent

Problem: ‘Aztec’ ring

Problem: Ring

Problem: Petroglyph

Problem: Box of goodies - examples

Problem: Box of goodies...

Problem: Frog stamp

Problem: Small round ‘sun’ stamp

Problem: ‘Monkey pot’

Problem: Clay stamp

Problem: Little statue

Problem: ‘Nahua figure’

Problem: Amatlan rock duck

Problem: Funerary figures

Problem: Devil mask

Problem: Heavy basalt statue

Problem: Figurine

Problem: Clay sculpture

Problem: Panel figures

Problem: ‘Which Aztec god?’

Problem: Turquoise Skull Mask

Comments (10)

Teresa

3rd Apr 2024

I have an artifact that I would like to know more about. How could I get a picture of it to someone can help.

Mexicolore

Just email us a couple of photos via the Contact page...

Jesse Farnsworth

26th May 2023

I’m impressed with the diversity of knowledge that is shared for all to read. Question. Has anyone seen or heard of clay statue with gold in the clay mix throughout??? I have a piece from Nayaryt, pre-Columbian 11” Goddess Of fertility”Ix-Chel”

Mexicolore

If you can send us a photo we can include your query here...

Sue Dorrens

31st Jul 2021

Hello. I’m currently researching the origins of the Chiminea (small outdoor clay fireplace) as there seem to be only multiple conflicting reports online. From a strong Spanish influence to origins that date back thousands of years to the Maya people, there’s nothing concrete that I can find online. If you could perhaps point me in the direction of someone who may be able to help, that would be wonderful. Thank you so much.
Best regards
Sue

Mexicolore

Thanks for writing. To our knowledge the chimenea is a European invention and has no connections with ancient Mesoamerica, whereas the earth oven or pit-hearth IS ancient, especially among the Maya. We’ve provided some info on this here -
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/ask-us/did-mesoamericans-use-fat-for-cooking-and-earth-ovens.

Isaac A. Nuñez

1st Apr 2020

I was wondering if I could have some help on finding out a aztec symbol or writing? - “UO” a symbol of a circle with an X, 3 small circles attached at bottom, and one circle attached at top?

Mexicolore

Thanks for writing. Yes, please email us an image...

andrea Wasson

4th Aug 2017

This retired teacher wishes to leave my estate to the Nahuatl schools or the like. How could I go about? mil gracias/

Mexicolore

What a generous gesture! Without personal knowledge of these schools/organisations we would start by approaching a reputable and long-established body such as IDIEZ (http://www.macehualli.org/) in Zacatecas. Or read the two articles shown as links on our ‘Aztec Language’ welcome page and if you’re inspired, try and make direct contact with the people involved. Good luck!

31st Oct 2014

Is there any financial payout if something were to be found in Mexico?

Mexicolore

We doubt it very much! But then, should there be...?

Humairaa

24th Jun 2013

Can we buy this stuff it is cool.O and you came to dairy medow i was there.

Mexicolore

Sorry, Humairaa! These are all objects in people’s private collections. BTW, we enjoyed teaching you about the Aztecs this morning at Dairy Meadow Primary School.

Bob Cox

29th Sep 2012

It is illegal to remove genuine artefacts from Mexico. However there are many “reproductions”and many a tourist is duped into believing he is getting the real thing...Caveat Emptor!!

Bruno Auerbach

28th Feb 2010

I found in Mexico three paintings by D.H Lawrence, belonging to a series of 17. Bruno Auerbach.

Mexicolore

Please tell us more, Bruno!

tecpaocelotl

18th Feb 2010

I love this idea.

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