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TotalUSAMagazine

Telum Artifact Print | Pre-Columbian Mexico | Museum Quality | TotalUSAMagazine

Telum Artifact Print | Pre-Columbian Mexico | Museum Quality | TotalUSAMagazine

Regular price $49.99 USD
Regular price $89.99 USD Sale price $49.99 USD
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This fine art print reproduces a significant telum artifact, excavated from the Tepeticpac region of the Pre-Columbian Valley of Mexico. In Mesoamerican context, a telum refers to a ceremonial throwing stick or spear-thrower, a symbol of authority and ritual power. This particular specimen, dating to the Late Postclassic period (c. 1200-1521 CE), features intricate iconography linked to veneration practices. Its form and patina tell a story of ancient offertory rites conducted at the ruins of a minor ceremonial center, where such objects were deposited as sacred gifts to deities.

Stylistic Analysis of the Telum Artifact

The artifact’s construction from dense tropical hardwood demonstrates sophisticated craftsmanship. The carved geometric bands and zoomorphic motifs align with the Tepeticpac style, a regional variant of the broader Aztec sphere. The deliberate wear patterns and residue deposits are not damage but primary data points, indicating active ritual use. This reproduction captures every nuance of the original’s weathered surface, preserving the scholarly evidence for study and display.

Curatorial Context: Offerings in Ruins

Depositing elite goods like this telum in the ruins of abandoned structures was a common practice, intended to sanctify the site and commune with ancestral spirits. The artifact’s findspot among other broken ceramics and figurines suggests a termination ritual, marking the end of a structure's sacred lifecycle. Owning this print connects you to a specific, documented archaeological narrative from the Mexico highlands.

Print Specifications & Materials

  • Available Sizes: 75×100 cm / 30×40″, 40×50 cm / 16×20″, 21×29.7 cm / 8×12″
  • Paper Finishing: Matte, uncoated, natural white (off-white)
  • Acid-Free: pH above 7 to prevent yellowing over time
  • Paper Weight: 250 gsm (110 lb) | Thickness: 0.29 mm (11.4 mils)
  • Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified

Each print is produced on museum-grade, archival paper that meets the strict standards of major cultural institutions. The matte surface eliminates glare, allowing for an unobstructed view of the artifact's details. As with all TotalUSAMagazine offerings, this piece is a tool for education and aesthetic appreciation, backed by our commitment to material integrity and scholarly accuracy.

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What is the historical significance of this Telum artifact?

This telum is a Late Postclassic ceremonial throwing stick from the Tepeticpac region. It represents political and ritual authority, deposited as an offering in the ruins of a sacred site, connecting it to Aztec-era termination rituals.

How is the museum-quality print produced and on what paper?

We use giclée printing on 250 gsm FSC-certified, acid-free matte paper. The process ensures archival longevity and a faithful reproduction of the artifact's textures and tonal range, suitable for professional framing.

What are the shipping times and packaging methods?

Prints ship within 1-2 business days via trusted carriers. They are rolled in a durable shipping tube with reinforced end caps to prevent damage, with tracking provided for all orders.

How long will my print last without fading or yellowing?

With proper storage away from direct sunlight and humidity, our acid-free, 250 gsm paper and pigment inks are rated for over 100 years of archival stability, preventing discoloration.

What does the specific iconography on the telum represent?

The geometric bands and carved motifs are characteristic of the Tepeticpac regional style, likely symbolizing fertility, warfare, or celestial concepts common in Late Postclassic central Mexico.

Can you provide more detail on the Tepeticpac excavation context?

The artifact originates from documented salvage archaeology in the Tepeticpac area. It was found in a secondary deposit within structural ruins, associated with a ceramic assemblage dated to the 15th century.

Is the artifact's original location in Mexico known precisely?

The findspot is specifically recorded as a minor ceremonial compound within the broader Tepeticpac polity, an important but less-studied zone in the northeastern Valley of Mexico.