Plaque with figures

Art Historical Context

This delicate silver plaque, measuring just 2 x 2 inches, hails from the 13th–15th century and showcases enigmatic figures, possibly including elephants, crafted by an unknown artist from the Colima culture (or a related tradition) in West Mexico. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Arts of Africa,, and the Americas, exemplifies pre-Columbian metal ornamentssmall, portable treasures likely worn as jewelry or ritual adornments. Colima, a coastal region of Mesoamerica, was renowned for its shaft tomb burials and vibrant ceramic traditions, but this rare silver piece highlights sophisticated metalworking skills during a time of regional trade and cultural exchange before European contact. The depiction of figures, intriguingly tagged with elephants (non-native to the Americas), may reflect mythical symbolism, artistic stylization, or distant influences via ancient trade routes, adding a layer of mystery to its origins. Hammered or repoussed from precious silver, the plaque's diminutive scale underscores its intimate, personal significance—perhaps a status symbol or amulet invoking protection or prestige. Acquired through the Mary R. Morgan Gift in 2001, it invites visitors to ponder the ingenuity of Colima artisans in capturing life's narratives on such a tiny canvas.