Effigy of Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld

Aztec culture (maker unknown) · Ceramic in two joined parts, once covered with painted stucco (per the museum’s description) · Late Postclassic period, 1480 CE · Museo del Templo Mayor

A clay figure slightly taller than a person embodies the ruler of the underworld.

Exhibition: On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas — Shanghai Museum, People’s Square · 2026-07-09 – 2027-11-14