Obsidian mirror

The Mexica people made mirrors of varying sizes with cut iron pyrites and obsidian (a volcanic glass). These mirrors were used in divination and healing practices. According to the Spanish who arrived in the Americas, if a child was suffering from 'soul loss' the healer would look at the reflection of the child's image in a mirror or a container of water. If the image were clear the child would soon recover; if it were shadowy, the soul had been lost. Like the Mexica, some people in Central Mexico today believe that a shock to the body can dislodge part of a person’s self. This causes illness that can be rectified by prescribed ritual action.

Mirrors were also associated with Tezcatlipoca, the Mexica creator god associated with rulers, warriors and sorcerers. His name can be translated as 'Smoking Mirror'. In many depictions during the Postclassic period (AD 900/1000-1521) his foot is replaced by a mirror.

Obsidian, ranging in colour from almost black (as here) to translucent green, came from various sources in Mesoamerica. At least six major sources are known in Central Mexico, in the states of Mexico, Hidalgo, Puebla and Michoacan. The most important source before European contact was Pachuca, in Hidalgo, which produced beautiful green obsidian. Obsidian was also used for scraping and cutting tools, as well as for decorative elements.