'Magical' mirror
From: Mexico (Aztec)
Date: AD 1325-1521
This mirror is made of obsidian. Obsidian is a kind of black
glass created naturally by lava from volcanoes. The Aztecs used
obsidian mirrors to help them see things which were normally
invisible. For example, if their son or daughter was sick, they
would look at the child's reflection in the mirror. If it was
clear, they would get better, but if it was shadowy, their soul was
lost and they would die.
One of the most powerful Aztec gods was Tezcatlipoca, the god of
rulers, warriers and sorcerers. His name means "Smoking
Mirror".