Labret

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Culture Mixtec

Title Labret

Date 1200–1521

Medium Gold

Dimensions Object: 1 3/8 × 1 9/16 × 2 3/16 in. (3.5 × 4 × 5.6 cm)
Overall (includes mount): 2 1/4 × 1 9/16 × 2 3/16 in. (5.7 × 4 × 5.6 cm)

Credit Line Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 78.11.1

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About this Work

Mixtec craftsmen were known for their artistry in precious materials, including gold, which was not worked in Mexico until the Post-Classic period. This labret fit in a hole beneath the lower lip and was held in place by a flange resting against the lower gum and teeth. The depiction of the bird beak suggests that the labret may represent Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent and one of the most important Pre-Columbian deities, in his manifestation as the wind god, Ehecatl. The Aztecs believed that Ehecatl swept the streets before every rain.

Provenance
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Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Labret | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=78.11.1