Riutal Stone (Pulidor) 1521

This ritual stone, known as a "pulidor," was crafted from stone by Aztec artisans between the 14th and 16th centuries. Its smooth, polished surface and oblong shape speak to its function in ceremonial practices, perhaps used for burnishing or preparing sacred objects. Consider how similar stones, in different times and places, have symbolized power, continuity, and transformation. From the ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals to the jade axes of the Olmecs, polished stones have served as potent symbols of authority and spiritual connection. The act of polishing itself, of taking a rough, unformed object and transforming it into something smooth and refined, resonates with the human desire for order and control. It’s as if the stone absorbs the desires, anxieties, and collective memories of its creators, embodying a powerful emotional force that transcends time. This stone whispers of the cyclical nature of existence.