Chupicuaro Sculpture of a Standing Woman - PF.0439,Origin: Chupicuaro, Mexico,Circa: 500 BC to 100 BC,Dimensions: 2.125" (5.4cm) high x 1" (2.5cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Chupicuaro,Medium: Terracotta. The remains of a once vibrant culture are now submerged under a lake. Fortunately excavations in the 1940's on the Chupicuaro site were able to uncover sufficient artifacts to give us an idea of an intriguing people who flourished there centuries ago. One of the most endearing of the clay objects are the small female figures, or "pretty ladies." They show a naked female with short arms, extended stomach and a fancy coiffure or headdress. This very delightful figure has very wide eyes, her mouth is open, and she wears an attractive headband. What at first seems to be her tongue is probably something she is placing into her mouth. She may be a fertility figure interred with the deceased to ensure continuity of 'life' in the afterlife. What is most striking to the viewer is the feeling of happiness and joy she exudes; undiminished after being buried for so long.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico