Shadowbox of 13 Pre-Columbian Terracotta Fragments | Mexico | 200 BCE–900 CE
Description
More
Less
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mesoamerica (Central Mexico & Gulf Coast; Teotihuacan/Veracruz traditions)
Material: Terracotta (earthenware) with mineral accretions; mounted in a later shadowbox with old collector’s label
Period: Late Formative to Classic Period, circa 200 BCE – 900 CE
Description
This shadowbox presents a carefully curated collection of thirteen Pre-Columbian terracotta fragments, showcasing the diversity of household ritual and votive art from Central Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Each fragment is mounted against a dark backing, highlighting individual heads, maskettes, discs, and figurines. The display retains an older typed collector’s label identifying the items as authentic Pre-Columbian Mexican finds.
The set includes:
-
Four miniature heads with almond-shaped eyes, some featuring headgear or earflares, in Gulf Coast/Teotihuacan style
-
One theatre-type head with arched headdress and distinct facial detailing
-
One circular fragment, possibly a spindle whorl or ritual disc
-
A central maskette fragment with flaring earflares and a crest, likely Veracruz or Teotihuacan
-
Two larger head fragments with helmet-style headgear and vertical noseband elements
-
Two rosette/disc fragments with incised or molded decoration
-
Two small anthropomorphic figurines with schematic torsos and earspools
Each piece retains archaeological character, showing soil deposits and minor losses, and collectively they form an attractive display and teaching set illustrating the range of Mesoamerican terracotta ritual art.
Features
- Thirteen authentic Pre-Columbian terracotta fragments
- Includes heads, maskette, spindle whorl, discs, and anthropomorphic figurines
- Surfaces retain mineral patina and earthen deposits from burial
- Presented in a later shadowbox with collector’s label for protection and display
Cultural Significance
Terracotta fragments like these reflect the central role of clay objects in Pre-Columbian daily, domestic, and ritual life. Miniature heads and maskettes were placed in household altars or funerary offerings, while spindle whorls connected weaving practice to sacred and economic activity. Collectively, this set offers insight into Mesoamerican domestic spirituality, artistic conventions, and ritual practices, making it a valuable educational and display resource.
Condition
Fragments show expected antiquity wear, minor losses, and edge chipping. Mineral patina and soil accretions are preserved. Shadowbox is later, intact, and ready for hanging display.
Dimensions (approximate)
Shadowbox: Height 15.5 in × Width 12.5 in × Depth 2.5 in
Fragments: Range from 0.6 in – 3 in
Age
Circa 200 BCE – 900 CE (Late Formative to Classic Period)
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Mesoamerica (Central Mexico & Gulf Coast; Teotihuacan/Veracruz traditions)
Material: Terracotta (earthenware) with mineral accretions; mounted in a later shadowbox with old collector’s label
Period: Late Formative to Classic Period, circa 200 BCE – 900 CE
Description
This shadowbox presents a carefully curated collection of thirteen Pre-Columbian terracotta fragments, showcasing the diversity of household ritual and votive art from Central Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Each fragment is mounted against a dark backing, highlighting individual heads, maskettes, discs, and figurines. The display retains an older typed collector’s label identifying the items as authentic Pre-Columbian Mexican finds.
The set includes:
-
Four miniature heads with almond-shaped eyes, some featuring headgear or earflares, in Gulf Coast/Teotihuacan style
-
One theatre-type head with arched headdress and distinct facial detailing
-
One circular fragment, possibly a spindle whorl or ritual disc
-
A central maskette fragment with flaring earflares and a crest, likely Veracruz or Teotihuacan
-
Two larger head fragments with helmet-style headgear and vertical noseband elements
-
Two rosette/disc fragments with incised or molded decoration
-
Two small anthropomorphic figurines with schematic torsos and earspools
Each piece retains archaeological character, showing soil deposits and minor losses, and collectively they form an attractive display and teaching set illustrating the range of Mesoamerican terracotta ritual art.
Features
- Thirteen authentic Pre-Columbian terracotta fragments
- Includes heads, maskette, spindle whorl, discs, and anthropomorphic figurines
- Surfaces retain mineral patina and earthen deposits from burial
- Presented in a later shadowbox with collector’s label for protection and display
Cultural Significance
Terracotta fragments like these reflect the central role of clay objects in Pre-Columbian daily, domestic, and ritual life. Miniature heads and maskettes were placed in household altars or funerary offerings, while spindle whorls connected weaving practice to sacred and economic activity. Collectively, this set offers insight into Mesoamerican domestic spirituality, artistic conventions, and ritual practices, making it a valuable educational and display resource.
Condition
Fragments show expected antiquity wear, minor losses, and edge chipping. Mineral patina and soil accretions are preserved. Shadowbox is later, intact, and ready for hanging display.
Dimensions (approximate)
Shadowbox: Height 15.5 in × Width 12.5 in × Depth 2.5 in
Fragments: Range from 0.6 in – 3 in
Age
Circa 200 BCE – 900 CE (Late Formative to Classic Period)
You May Also Like