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The ancient site of Tlantilco in the valley of Mexico came to
light in 1936, during excavations carried out by brick workers
digging for clay. While removing the clay in order to make
bricks, these workmen discovered a large number of burials,
in which were placed delicately modeled figurines, such as
this remarkable example. Later excavations in the area,
performed by archaeologists, revealed that these burials
formed a portion of a very large village, Tlatilco, located west
of the Great Lake on a small stream, and settled by about
1200 B.C. The figurines that appear in these ancient burials
reveal that they are the most aesthetically satisfying in
Ancient Mexico.
This little woman, with her exaggerated belly and
hips, bears a striking resemblance to neolithic
astarte fertility figures from the Near East. Her
function is very likely the same too--she evokes
the goddess, the giver of life. Yet there is
something warmly human about this piece, with
her relaxed pose and carefully combed-out hair.
There is no question that the people who created
her thought of her as beautiful.
- (PF.0392)
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