Pre-Columbian | West Mexico Seated Terracotta Male Figure | Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: West Mexico, Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica
Material: Hand-modeled terracotta clay
Period: Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Description
A compelling seated male terracotta figure from the ancient West Mexican Shaft-Tomb Culture tradition. Sculpted with expressive features and a strong physical presence, the figure sits forward with boldly modeled arms and legs projecting outward, characteristic of classic Nayarit / Jalisco anthropomorphic representations. The stylized face includes deeply recessed eyes, pronounced nose, strong jaw structure, and defined head crest or headdress, all rendered with intentional cultural style and sculptural strength.
Figures such as this were traditionally placed within elite burials, serving ceremonial, symbolic, religious, and ancestral functions. They often represented guardians, ancestors, deities, or community individuals intended to accompany and protect the deceased in the afterlife.
Features
- Seated male figure with projecting arms and legs
- Distinctive stylized facial detailing
- Deeply recessed eyes and strong nose ridge
- Defined head crest / headdress
- Classic West Mexican funerary style and sculptural form
- Ancient earthen deposits and burial patination present
Cultural Significance
West Mexican terracotta figures are among the most iconic expressions of Pre-Columbian art, reflecting identity, ritual life, funerary belief systems, and spiritual continuity. Their bold presence and emotional power remain highly admired by museums, historians, and collectors worldwide.
Condition
Excellent ancient condition for age with expected surface wear, stable age stress lines, minor ancient losses, and earthen burial deposits consistent with archaeological recovery. Presented mounted on a custom museum display base.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.75 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–2,000 years old
Learn More
Explore ancient West Mexican sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Discover our curated Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: West Mexico, Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica
Material: Hand-modeled terracotta clay
Period: Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE
Description
A compelling seated male terracotta figure from the ancient West Mexican Shaft-Tomb Culture tradition. Sculpted with expressive features and a strong physical presence, the figure sits forward with boldly modeled arms and legs projecting outward, characteristic of classic Nayarit / Jalisco anthropomorphic representations. The stylized face includes deeply recessed eyes, pronounced nose, strong jaw structure, and defined head crest or headdress, all rendered with intentional cultural style and sculptural strength.
Figures such as this were traditionally placed within elite burials, serving ceremonial, symbolic, religious, and ancestral functions. They often represented guardians, ancestors, deities, or community individuals intended to accompany and protect the deceased in the afterlife.
Features
- Seated male figure with projecting arms and legs
- Distinctive stylized facial detailing
- Deeply recessed eyes and strong nose ridge
- Defined head crest / headdress
- Classic West Mexican funerary style and sculptural form
- Ancient earthen deposits and burial patination present
Cultural Significance
West Mexican terracotta figures are among the most iconic expressions of Pre-Columbian art, reflecting identity, ritual life, funerary belief systems, and spiritual continuity. Their bold presence and emotional power remain highly admired by museums, historians, and collectors worldwide.
Condition
Excellent ancient condition for age with expected surface wear, stable age stress lines, minor ancient losses, and earthen burial deposits consistent with archaeological recovery. Presented mounted on a custom museum display base.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.75 in
Age (Approximate)
1,500–2,000 years old
Learn More
Explore ancient West Mexican sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Discover our curated Ancient Pre-Columbian Artifacts & Relics Collection
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