nzahki (Figure)
About this object
History of use
These paper figures represent nzahki, which in the Otomi language means the living force of all beings in this and other worlds. They are traditionally used in healing and agricultural rituals.
Narrative
Purchased by the donor in San Pablito in 1996.
Iconographic meaning
Figures represent the vital life force of beings both human, animal, plant and supernatural.
Physical description
Amate (amatl) paper cutout figure. Detailed two-faced humanoid figure. Cut from beige handmade paper while folded in half vertically, so both sides are mirror-images.
Categories
Materials
Date Acquired
9 May 2022
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Amate figures collected by Dorothy FieldMore...
Measurements
Overall: 19 cm x 13.5 cm
Object Number
3565/18