Fine Pre-Columbian Veracruz green stone Xipe Totec yoke fragment

Pre-Columbian Veracruz green stone yoke fragment dating from approximately 600-900 CE., is a remarkable relic of Mesoamerican artistry and ritual significance. Carved from a rich green stone, the fragment features a serene, closed-eyed face with full lips, evoking a sense of calm and transcendence. The contours of the piece suggest it was once part of a ceremonial yoke, an object worn around the waist in important ritual contexts, particularly in association with the Mesoamerican ballgame or sacrificial ceremonies.

The face depicted on the fragment likely represents Xipe Totec, the powerful deity of renewal, agricultural fertility, and sacrifice. His worship was deeply rooted in the idea of transformation, often symbolized by the shedding of old skin to bring forth new life. The smooth, polished sections of the carving contrast with the rough, broken edges, indicating that this artifact was once part of a larger composition, a complete yoke. The back of the fragment displays geometric engravings, possibly stylized motifs linked to serpents, maize, or sacred symbols.

The green stone used for this artifact was highly prized in ancient Mesoamerica, believed to hold life-giving properties and often associated with divine power. Over time, the surface has developed a natural patina, further attesting to its authenticity and antiquity. As an artifact, it speaks to the deep cultural and religious practices of the Veracruz civilization, where sacred ceremonies often involved elements of sacrifice and spiritual transformation. This fragment, though incomplete, still carries the weight of history, preserving the artistic and spiritual essence of a civilization that once thrived in the heart of Mesoamerica.

 Beautiful green stone with traces of mineral and soil deposits. 8.6" in length x 4.3" in height. Ex. B. Malone collection, TX.  acquired prior to 1960.