In the Preclassic era, obsidian was used for creating ear spools, tools and jewerly. Earspools therefore, became a popular motif on Aztec and Toltec figurines.
Use of Obsidian: Ear Spools and Tools
In the Preclassic era, obsidian was used for creating tools (such as scrapers and flake blades). In later periods, the use of obsidian appears to change. Objects for ceremonial use, such as Aztec knives or pendants from Oaxaca, appear to increase in number from the Preclassic to Postclassic periods. Ear spools are common through-out all eras, but their quality improves over time. Examples from Oaxaca are more elaborate and contain gold overlay. Ear spools and ornaments were probably common among the elite, and served as a mark of status. For lower classes, ear spools or other decorative items could be manufactured in cheaper stone.
Preclassic examples of obsidian flakes were sometimes located far from their original source. This indicates that hunters traveled large distances in search of game. Aztec flakes were made out of green obsidian, while Oaxaca examples remain red-brown. Obsidian became very important for trade, and was the basis for many trade routes. The color of obsidian helps to identify where it was obtained (since certain colors are limited to particular sources). The increase in obsidian ornaments in the Mixtec era, must indicate an increase in trade from surrounding regions.
Aztec, Toltec and Teotihuacan Figurines: How do They Depict Ear Spools?
In the Early, Middle, and Late Preclassic periods, many figurines were made of women. They are often depicted naked, with breasts exposed. Some however, are wearing necklaces and/or headdresses. Many of these figurines have ear spools (both male and female). In Early Preclassic, the eyes appear slightly more elongated. In the Middle Preclassic ear spools are more pronounced, and in the Late Preclassic, mouths appear to be more open. Also, in Late Preclassic "non-human" like forms also became popular. They look "bird-like" and have large eyes. Perhaps they are representations of a deity. The quality of these figurines improves slightly over time. In Late Preclassic, some of the facial features appear more defined.
Figurines from Classic Teotihuacan are organized into four periods. The sex of these figurines is hard to define, since most of the time only the head remains. In Classic Teotihuacan I, the heads appear to be rather "crude". It is hard to tell if they are human or supernatural beings. In Teotihuacan II, the forms appear to be more human. Ear spools and headdresses are more defined. Arms are also depicted. In Teotihuacan III, heads appear to be more naturalistic than the rest. All however, contain carefully sculptured eyes and large foreheads. In Teotihuacan IV, all the heads appear to be more developed. All have fancy headdresses, large ear plugs and human faces.
Toltec figurines were made in molds. They usually have elaborate headdresses, large ear spools and oval eyes. While they are not three-dimensional, the facial details are still impressive.
Unlike the Toltec, Aztec figurines are three-dimensional. The craftsmanship appears to be more advanced. Facial features are well executed, the costumes are more detailed, and the overall rendering of the body is improved. Most of these figurines are men . Almost all wear fancy necklaces, headdresses and ear spools. Some are depicted wearing a garment wrapped around their waist like a skirt.
