Mexican Obsidian & Turquoise Mosaic Inlay Turtle Figurines, Pair

A matched pair of carved obsidian turtle figurines from Mexico, each with a domed shell set in turquoise mosaic inlay and accented with turquoise cabochon eyes. The bodies are sculpted from a single block of jet-black obsidian, polished to a high gloss, with distinct heads, four legs, and short tails. The shells are composed of individually fitted turquoise tiles laid in a dark matrix and polished flush to a unified dome — the larger of the two showing pronounced black veining and more varied tile geometry, the smaller more uniform in color and pattern.

This combination of polished obsidian body with turquoise mosaic shell is characteristic of Mexican lapidary workshops, where obsidian carving traditions and inlay work have long been produced for the decorative and collector market. 

CONDITION

Excellent. No damage observed. Both pieces retain a high polish across the obsidian and the turquoise inlay reads tight and flush throughout.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Larger Turtle: 7/8" H × 1-3/4" W × 2-5/8" L
• Smaller Turtle: 5/8" H × 1-1/8" W × 1-7/8" L
• Materials: Obsidian body; turquoise mosaic shell inlay; turquoise cabochon eyes
• Origin: Mexico
• Marks: None
• U.S. Quarter Shown for Scale — Not Included