Seated upon the ground, supporting himself with
his striped staff, this figure dramatically gestures
into the air with his right hand. His shoulders
are covered with bumps that may actually
represent keloid scarification and are
characteristic of the Jalisco style. His head,
elongated in the Jalisco tradition, is covered in a
crown featuring a small arching crest. It is
popularly believed by modern scholars that the
ancient nobility of the Jalisco culture would bind
their children’s heads with wooden boards in
order to stretch their skull. This cranial
deformation is thought to be inspired by the
maize god who features a high, prominent brow.
As well, this unique trait would have
differentiated the royalty from the commoners.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of this
sculpture is the charming smile that stretches
upon his joyous face. Also of note, his large ears
have real holes in them, as if he could actually
hear. Might it be possible that this sculpture
represents an ancient Jalisco bard, regaling his
audience with stories of legendary heroes?
Surely he appears as if caught in the middle of
telling a story, his hand gesturing outwards, a
smile creeping over his face. Could this statue
memorialize a Mesoamerican Homer who
captivated his people with an ancient mythology
that has been lost to history? While his tales may
no longer be with us, this sculpture continues to
bring you to our hearts with its beauty and
inspire us with its past.
- (PF.6267)
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