Jaguar Clay Stamp

Clay stamps were widely used by pre-Hispanic people with archaeological finds suggesting that they were being created hundreds of years before the Aztec civilisation. They usually feature abstract shapes, animals, gods and other mystical figures. The stamps were primarily used to decorate the skin or clothing with prepared dyes although they were also sometimes used to print patterns into pottery before it has set. This stamp shows a sacrificial scene and incorporates the head of an Aztec jaguar warrior as a handle.