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Axe effigy currency
Tarascan
Postclassic period
A.D. 1200–1500
Object Place: México, West México
Medium/Technique
Copper arsenic alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 11.5 x 11.4 x 1.6 cm (4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Margret Craver Withers
Accession Number1993.821
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsMetalwork
DescriptionCopper alloy cast into an axe-like shape, which functioned as currency during Postclassic times among many cultures in highland México. The top of the axe is unusually thick (1.6 cm) and is pierced by a large hole.
ProvenanceBy 1972, acquired in Mexico or Guatemala by Margret Craver Withers (b. 1907 - d. 2010), Boston; 1993, gift of Margret Craver Withers to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 17, 1993)