Pair of Ear Ornaments

c. 1200–1519

Pair of Ear Ornaments, c. 1200–1519. Mexico, Guerrero, Ichcatiopan, Mixtec or Aztec. Obsidian, crystal; overall: 2.5 x 2.2 cm (1 x 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of James C. Gruener in memory of his wife, Florence Crowell Gruener 1983.191 This set of ear ornaments, each with a rock crystal insert, is said to have been found with a pendant made of jade and gold (1983.190). They may come from a buried offering or the tomb of an Aztec noble. These obsidian ear ornaments look black but have a golden sheen.