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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Tlatilco Art : Tlatilco Tripod Dish with Four Figures
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Tlatilco Tripod Dish with Four Figures - PF.0734
Origin: Tlatilco, Mexico
Circa: 900
BC
to 500
BC
Dimensions:
7" (17.8cm) high
x 8.5" (21.6cm) wide
Catalogue: V2
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
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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.
Four figures hover expectantly on the outer rim
of this vessel; directly in front of each is a hollow
depression formed by one of the legs. In the
center a man wearing a tall pyramidal hat waves
his arms as if engaged in a ceremony. There is
an air of anticipation about this piece, a feeling
that some peculiar ritual is about to reach its
high point. If we turn away for even a moment,
we might miss the climax.
- (PF.0734)
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