|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Ixtlán del Rio Style : Ixtlán del Rio Style Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Woman Holding a Bowl
|
 |
|
|
|
Ixtlán del Rio Style Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Woman Holding a Bowl - PF.3518
Origin: Nayarit, Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
6.75" (17.1cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Ixtlán del Rio
Medium: Terracotta
Location: UAE
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This woman with one hand on her knee, and one
clutching a bowl on her shoulder, looks as if she
is contemplating the world around her. She is
wearing a beautiful skirt that is decorated with a
geometric design. Her femininity is defined
through the beautifully sculpted body, and the
careful attention to details in the hair, the
jewelry, and the fingers. Her youthful face is
delicate, with her almond-shaped eyes open to
the world around her, and her open mouth as if
she is talking directly to us. She rests her head
on her knee, as if she is pondering the world
around her. Recognizing that this work of art
suggests the cherished concept of womanhood,
it is a delightful representation of a fertility
goddess used in ceremonial rituals. In addition,
the tremendous amount of jewelry she is
adorned with denotes how important she must
have been in this culture. There are multiple ear
ornaments surrounding her youthful face,
bracelets that lay high on her slender arms, and
a nose ring. The artist of this work
communicates every minute detail of the human
anatomy, as seen through the careful depiction
of vertebrae. The bowl resting on her shoulder
suggests a place where offerings were made to
her, and to the spirits above her. This
breathtaking piece powerfully represents the
Mexican culture through symbolism and the
composition of the form.
- (PF.3518)
|
| |
|
