photo of the frog yoke on display at museum, front view
photo of the frog yoke on display at the museum, side view
photo of the gallery sign:
“Classic Veracruz artist (s); Mexico
Frog yoke 600-900 CE
Greenstone, pigment (probably hematite)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1963 (1978.412.15)
Recorded provenance: Stendahl Art Galleries, Los Angeles, until 1956; Nelson A. Rockefeller, New York, on permanent loan to the MPA, 1956-63; the MPA, New York, 1963-78
Yokes are named for their formal similarity to those used to harness draft animals.
When placed vertically, they resemble cave openings, believed to be portals into the underworld. This work, with the bulging eyes and elongated mouth of a crouching amphibian, evokes the earth deity who resides at such an entryway. The supernatural imagery is appropriate for a sculpture associated with the Mesoamerican ballgame, given that the game could end in ritual sacrifice.”
#FrogFriday in the Ancient Americas wing at the Met 🐸 (now 5/5 sorry I can’t count today lol):
Classic Veracruz artist(s); Mexico
#Frog yoke
600-900 CE
Greenstone, pigment (probably hematite)
1978.412.15
#MesoamericanArt #IndigenousArt