This wonderful pre-classic female figure used in
funerary ritual is made of fired hollow clay. She is
adorned with Jalisco cultural traits, symbolism.
And values. The beautiful features and
decorations on the figure indicate that she is of
wealthy and noble status. Her elongated head
suggests cranial deformation, a sign of high
class and beauty. She wears a decorated
headdress, earspools, arm bracelets, and a
necklace. Each item is accentuated by detailed
artwork of painted designs or painted beads. The
face and the body shows color designs of dark
paint on already rich orange base colors of the
fired clay surf ace. In addition, the figure's
femininity and fertility, import ant aspects in
pre-classic Meso-American cultures, are
emphasized. Her protruding breasts are
enhanced with dark painted patterns. She has no
legs but a large torso and thighs, which are
common signs of fertility. The seated figure,
thus, show how people of Jalisco cherished life
and regeneration. Although the clay figure had
funerary ritual purposes, it also successfully
symbolizes the idea of fertility and life.
- (PF.2938)
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