Deer
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Deer
Maker
West Mexican
Date200 B.C.E.-300 C.E.
GeographyColima, Colima, Mexico, North and Central America
MediumCeramic with red slip
Dimensionsoverall: 10 x 10 in., 5 1/2 in. diameter (25.4 x 25.4 x x 14 cm)
Credit LineGift of Marion Lynton in memory of her sister Gerda Roosen Appleby
Object number1999.92
Status
On viewRightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationAcross what is now western Mexico, ancient peoples deposited thousands of ceramic sculptures in deep shaft tombs distinctive to the region. Male–female pairs found in the modern state of Nayarit surely represent married couples, holding objects of domestic, ceremonial, or military significance. The rich attire painted on the figures indicates their high status. The terracotta animal figures from Colima, which once held foodstuffs, are distinguished by their lifelike qualities: a deer turns as if startled by the hunter’s step; a young dog playfully nips at the face of an emaciated older rival.