Figure Item Number: 2979/1 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Shaft tomb figure of a seated female, reconstructed from fragments with large portions of fill. The head is long and thin, concave at back. Mouth is small and slightly upturned. Nose is long and prominent, the eyes are partially closed and the ears are large and set low on the head. One ear has a lobe decoration. The head has a headdress or hat which surrounds a hole leading to the hollow centre of the figure. The shoulders are wide. The arms are rounded and rest at the waist. A thick bracelet surrounds each elbow. Wide set breasts protrude from the chest, and the stomach is distended. Half of the folded legs area has been broken off (parts b and c). Face and head area are intact fragments, as is the left arm.
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.)
Narrative
Date made applies to the original fragments; repair date unknown.
Item History
- Made in Jalisco, Mexico between 201 BCE and 200
- Collected during 1955
- Owned by Jonathan A. Levin before September 10, 2012
- Received from Jonathan A. Levin (Donor) on September 10, 2012
What
Who
- Culture
- Western Mexico
- Previous Owner
- Jonathan A. Levin
- Received from
- Jonathan A. Levin (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Jalisco, Mexico
When
- Creation Date
- between 201 BCE and 200
- Collection Date
- during 1955
- Ownership Date
- before September 10, 2012
- Acquisition Date
- on September 10, 2012
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2979/0001 a-c