Pre-Columbian Nopiloa pottery Rattle figure

Pre-Columbian Nopiloa pottery figure from Veracruz, Mexico, ca. 600-800 CE. The Veracruz Nopiloa ceramic tradition is noted for its fineness, and examples of these figures are related to the Maya figurine tradition. As is typical this example is mold made and features a very fine, white kaolin slip. Figures like this one were typically grave offering goods, the rattle may have been used ceremonially, perhaps to audibly guide/encourage the deceased as they began their journey through the underworld. 5" in height. Root marks and manganese deposits on the surface attesting to its age. Ex. Private Florida collection.