|
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 terracotta figurine represents a
standing woman with short, truncated arms and
thick thighs, possibly symbolic of her fecundity.
In contrast to the abstracted forms of the body,
the facial features of the figure have been
carefully delineated. Most prominently, she
wears an elaborate headdress that covers her
forehead.
- (CK.0025)
|
