Maize God from Copan in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, December 2022

Title: Maize God

Date: 715

Geography: Honduras, Copan

Culture: Maya

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: H. 35 1/16 × W. 22 1/4 × D. 11 13/16 in., 264.6 lb. (89 × 56.5 × 30 cm, 120 kg)

Classification: Stone-Sculpture

Credit Line: British Museum, London

Accession Number: SL.2.2022.10.2


The Maize God’s slender body and handsome face evoke the beauty of ripening corn. His head, like a maize cob, is elongated and mostly bald except for a thick brow surrounding the face and long locks growing from the crown, evoking corn silk. Abundant jewels enhance his gracious appearance and signal his preciousness. He has a youngster’s unblemished skin and was sometimes portrayed as a baby. Like a tender child, he demands constant attention and care, lest he die. Failure to appease the Maize God could bring hunger to families and entire communities.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/820270