Female figure
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Female figure
Maker
Mexican
Date400-100 B.C.E.
GeographyMichoacán, Mexico, North and Central America
MediumCeramic
Dimensionsoverall: 4 1/8 in. x 1 3/4 in. (10.5 cm x 4.4 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Edith Pavlo Marget (Class of 1931)
Object number1991.1.83
Status
On viewRightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationAfter heavy rains or while plowing, farmers all across central and western Mexico discover small ceramic sculptures—usually of women—in their fields. These must have been produced in enormous quantities. Some figures appear naked, while others have elaborate hairstyles or headdresses, hints of jewelry, and body paint that indicate high status and provide evidence of regional styles. The precise function and meaning of these objects remain unknown; archaeologists usually describe them as fertility figures or votive offerings. These sculptures are among the oldest Mesoamerican objects in the collection.