This lidded jar is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Mixtec people, dating back to the 13th to 16th Century CE. Hand-carved from smoky-gray obsidian, a material deeply embedded in the spiritual and military fabric of the Mixtec culture, this jar showcases a spherical body with a stable base, a thick flared rim, and a deep interior basin. The bell-shaped lid is crowned with a tiered, beehive-shaped handle, adding to its unique silhouette. The Mixtecs valued obsidian for its sharpness and sheen, using it in weaponry and intricate carvings, making this jar a symbolic representation of their artistic and martial prowess. The stone’s ability to reflect light and its use in religious ceremonies also signify its importance in the Mixtec cosmology. Measuring 64mm in diameter and 105mm in height, the jar bears small chips to the rims and minor abrasions, marks of its authentic age. Its remarkable state of preservation, including the translucency visible when light permeates its body, makes it a stunning example of Pre-Columbian craftsmanship. Once part of a private Southern California collection, this obsidian jar not only offers a connection to the ancient Mixtec world but also stands as a piece of art that reflects the interplay between utility and belief in one of Mexico’s most sophisticated ancient civilizations. Its presence in a collection will provide an enduring topic of conversation and admiration, ensuring the legacy of the Mixtec people endures. Jar, Malter Galleries, Mesoamerica, Mixtec, Obsidian Visual Analysis: The Mixtec obsidian lidded jar in the images is an extraordinary example of Pre-Columbian craftsmanship. The dark, smoky-gray obsidian is expertly shaped, with a polished surface that gleams under light, revealing its translucent quality. The tiered, beehive-shaped handle on the lid is characteristic of Mixtec design, which often incorporated intricate geometrical patterns and voluminous forms. The small chips and abrasions on the jar indicate its historical journey while accentuating its authenticity. The obsidian's inherent beauty and the jar's simple yet sophisticated form speak to the Mixtec's deep appreciation for both material and craftsmanship. This rare artifact would have been a precious object in its time, likely serving both practical and ceremonial purposes.