IV-22 Articulated figurine

Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan IV, A.D. 650-900. Ceramic, traces of postfire paint. Height of torso: 11.5 cm. Acc. no. 257364

IV-23 Standing male statuette

Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan III, A.D. 300-650. Green stone. Height: 18.5 cm. Acc. no. 257411

This standing male wears a typical Teotihuacan stepped head-dress composed of bound cloth. A cache found in the Temple of Quetzalcoatl contained a series of male jade figurines in similar dress, wearing stepped headdresses and simple loincloths (Rubín de la Borbolla 1947). The face and body of this figure are especially hard and angular, and it is possible that the piece derives from the Mezcala region of Guerrero.

IV-24 Candelero

Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan III, A.D. 300-650. Ceramic, bur-nished on upper surface. Height: 4 cm. Acc. no. 257366

Termed *candeleros*, or candle holders, these small objects are commonly found at Teotihuacan and, surprisingly, the Classic Maya site of Copán. The term derives from the simple pits that suggest receptacles for upright candles. The *candelero* typically contains two pits, although one- and three-holed varieties are also known. They are often interpreted as miniature censers for burning offerings, but the actual use of these items is unknown. Holmes (1915) suggested that they may be ceramic supports for standing ears of corn, comparable to the cuplike holders for ceremonial maize cobs in the American Southwest. Holmes also noted that in Postclassic Aztec art, paired maize cobs are frequently found standing upright in a single vessel.

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