Figure Item Number: Ni84 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

A red figure kneeling with knees folded under. Arms folded out in front and hands resting on slightly rounded belly. Eyes, big nose, slightly open oval mouth, and sideways heart-shaped ears.

History Of Use

These types of hollow, naturalistic redware ceramics have been found in (often elaborate) shaft tombs, a mortuary structure unique to the western Mexican states of Colima, Nayarit and Jalisco. Some experts think the main figure found in such burials may represent a powerful, elite member of the society; other figures may depict retainers sacrificed to accompany that person in the afterlife. Other figures commonly depict warriors, pregnant women, acrobats, male and female couples both seated and standing, and women with children. (The end date of the period is in dispute.)