Large Pre-Columbian Jalisco female figure

Large Pre-Columbian Jalisco female figure from West Mexico, ca. 100 BCE-250 CE. A Ameca-Etzatlan female figure from the ancient Jalisco culture of West Mexico, part of the larger tradition known as the Western Mexico shaft tomb culture. The figure is made of terracotta and depicts a seated female holding a bowl with food, which suggests her role in ritual or daily life. She is depicted wearing a skirt, headband, necklace, and scarification on her shoulders, painted with red details. The figure holds a bowl in her right hand, and within the bowl, there is a modeled representation of food, likely a staple such as maize or tamales. The food is intricately detailed, with the artist carefully depicting the individual shapes and textures to resemble actual food items. This attention to detail suggests the importance of the offering, highlighting the figure’s role in providing sustenance, whether in a ritualistic context or as a symbol of nourishment and fertility. The inclusion of modeled food within the bowl emphasizes the cultural significance of food in ceremonial practices and the symbolic connection between the figure and the act of offering or preparing food. 16-1/2" in height. Ex. Lou A. and Barbara B. Pritchett collection. Ex Vice President of Proctor and Gamble.