Ancient West Mexican | Terracotta Portrait Head with Braided Headdress | Circa 300 BCE – 300CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Likely West Mexico, Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica
Material: Hand-modeled terracotta clay
Period: Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Description
This compelling ancient terracotta head fragment represents the artistic traditions of West Mexican shaft-tomb cultures, such as those of Nayarit, Jalisco, or Colima. Skillfully modeled from earthen clay, the head displays stylized sculptural features including deeply recessed eyes, a strong angular nose, and a defined mouth. The figure wears a detailed braided or banded headdress — a hallmark trait of the region — suggesting elevated social, ceremonial, or ritual importance.
Mounted on a custom black museum-style display base, the fragment presents with strong visual presence and cultural depth, offering a powerful connection to ancient Mesoamerican identity and craftsmanship.
Features
- Authentic Pre-Columbian terracotta head fragment
- Distinct stylized facial carving with expressive character
- Characteristic braided ceremonial headdress
- Mounted on custom display base for elegant presentation
- Strong sculptural presence and cultural appeal
Cultural Significance
Figures from West Mexican shaft-tomb traditions are believed to have served ceremonial, ancestral, and funerary purposes. Placed within elite burials, these figures functioned as guardians, spiritual intermediaries, and symbolic representations of lineage and ritual identity, offering a rare glimpse into the belief systems and artistic sophistication of ancient West Mexico.
Condition
Good ancient condition with expected wear from age, burial, and excavation. Minor losses, surface deposits, and weathering consistent with authenticity. Stable and securely mounted for display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height (including stand): 5.25 in
Head: 2 in × 2 in
Age
Estimated over 1,500 years old — Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Learn More
Explore the cultural meaning, artistic traditions, and enduring legacy of ancient Mesoamerican craftsmanship in Pre-Columbian Art – Artsy
Discover more authentic Pre-Columbian artifacts and historically significant relics in our curated Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Likely West Mexico, Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica
Material: Hand-modeled terracotta clay
Period: Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Description
This compelling ancient terracotta head fragment represents the artistic traditions of West Mexican shaft-tomb cultures, such as those of Nayarit, Jalisco, or Colima. Skillfully modeled from earthen clay, the head displays stylized sculptural features including deeply recessed eyes, a strong angular nose, and a defined mouth. The figure wears a detailed braided or banded headdress — a hallmark trait of the region — suggesting elevated social, ceremonial, or ritual importance.
Mounted on a custom black museum-style display base, the fragment presents with strong visual presence and cultural depth, offering a powerful connection to ancient Mesoamerican identity and craftsmanship.
Features
- Authentic Pre-Columbian terracotta head fragment
- Distinct stylized facial carving with expressive character
- Characteristic braided ceremonial headdress
- Mounted on custom display base for elegant presentation
- Strong sculptural presence and cultural appeal
Cultural Significance
Figures from West Mexican shaft-tomb traditions are believed to have served ceremonial, ancestral, and funerary purposes. Placed within elite burials, these figures functioned as guardians, spiritual intermediaries, and symbolic representations of lineage and ritual identity, offering a rare glimpse into the belief systems and artistic sophistication of ancient West Mexico.
Condition
Good ancient condition with expected wear from age, burial, and excavation. Minor losses, surface deposits, and weathering consistent with authenticity. Stable and securely mounted for display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height (including stand): 5.25 in
Head: 2 in × 2 in
Age
Estimated over 1,500 years old — Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Learn More
Explore the cultural meaning, artistic traditions, and enduring legacy of ancient Mesoamerican craftsmanship in Pre-Columbian Art – Artsy
Discover more authentic Pre-Columbian artifacts and historically significant relics in our curated Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics Collection
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