Strikingly decorated in black and cream paint,
this sculpture of a kneeling woman is notable
both for her unique posture as well as her
intricate adornment. While such figures are
commonly depicted kneeling flat on the ground,
this woman rests on her knees and the tips of
her feet, so that her body is actually raised off of
the floor, instead placing her weight on her
heels. Although her legs appear to be truncated,
the sculptor has just captured the effect of her
calves pressing into her thighs. Her breasts are
only faintly suggested by two bumps slightly
below her shoulders. She wears multiple earrings
and painted jewelry, like her beaded necklace
and cream armbands, covers her body. Incised
lines indicate that texture of her pulled-back
hair. Here, she balances a painted vessel atop
her head. Is this meant as an offering for the
gods? Perhaps so, but it is also likely that this
was a water vessel and she has been represented
carrying water from the well to the village. She
kneels down, about to reach up and remove the
vessel from her head, ending one chapter in her
day’s activities, ready to begin the next and start
preparing a meal. What was the ancient meaning
of this mysterious work? Whom was she created
for? Discovered buried inside of a tomb, clearly
this ancient Mesoamerican beauty played as
important a role in the next world as she does in
our own. Today, she continues to inspire us with
her artistry and fascinating history.
- (PF.6296)
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