Stamp, Monkey 

This ceramic stamp, depicting a monkey, was created by an Aztec artist sometime between 1300 and 1521. The earthy material is central to its presence; the stamp is modest in scale, yet monumental in feeling. The artist skillfully manipulated the clay to form the monkey, with a keen eye for detail. Look closely, and you'll see the incised lines and careful modeling that bring the figure to life. Consider how the artist formed the clay, perhaps using simple hand-building techniques. The process speaks to a deep understanding of the material's potential. The monkey itself is significant, as animals often held symbolic meaning in Aztec culture. This stamp testifies to the merging of functional design, sculptural form, and cultural symbolism. It challenges any distinction between art and craft.