Seated Male 

This seated male figure was carved in stone by an Aztec artist sometime between 1300 and 1521. It is currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This sculpture provides insights into the Aztecs, who were deeply concerned with the relationship between humans and the cosmos. The figure's seated posture, with his hands resting on his knees, suggests a state of contemplation. His face tilted upwards, perhaps indicates a connection to the divine. Art like this served a crucial public function in Aztec society, reinforcing the hierarchies that underpinned their world. The sculptures were placed in temples, plazas and other sacred places. The creation and placement of such works were overseen by priests and rulers, underscoring art’s integral role in maintaining religious and political order. To fully understand the social conditions that shaped this artwork, scholars delve into historical texts, archaeological findings, and ethnographical studies. Only then can we start to understand the power of art to challenge social norms or reinforce existing social structures.