This piece, which was carved circa 1521-1540, is made from volcanic stone. The Aztec influence is seen in the crown/halo of the Virgin as well as the wheels and diagonal lines within her robe.  The artist chose to carve her mouth open and her hands folded in prayer.  Her eyes seem to be closed.

 

Interpretation:

 According to the article on the website from whence this piece came, this is one of the first pieces of the Virgin Mary carved by an artist.  The open mouth, symbolizing speech, is the only one known to show her speaking.  The halo/sun is quite brillant, and would seem to be overpoweringly bright, had it been an actual fire.  To me, it seems so real.  The article also states that this represents a "crossing-over" of the Aztecs and the new Christianity.

 

Judgement:

 

I feel that the artist is trying to tell us that Christianity has arrived!  I chose this piece to keep with my theme of the conquering of the Aztecs.  It's incredible that this piece was found at all, because during the Spanish Inquistion, images like this one were ordered to be destroyed!

 

Questions:

The biggest question that I felt like asking was this- how did the newly- conquered Aztecs give up their faiths and turn to Christianity? I don't think I could start believing in Aztec gods!  What was Mary supposed to be saying in this sculpture?  What do the wheels on her robes represent? How long did it take?  Was this made for a person, or a place?

 

Conclusion:

I don't know that much about art in this time period.  But I thought that it was neat that there are a lot of "Aztec-y" designs in this sculpture.  It seems to be in great condition, for being so old.