Tala-Tonalá Style Jalisco Terracotta Sculpture of a Standing Bear, 300 BCE - 300 CE
Terracotta
2.5 x 4.75
PF.2273
Further images
This delightful sculpture reflects the humor with which Ancient Mexican artists often infused their work. It depicts a bear standing upright, as if assuming anthropomorphic qualities. It is difficult to...
This delightful sculpture reflects the humor with which Ancient Mexican artists often infused their work. It depicts a bear standing upright, as if assuming anthropomorphic qualities. It is difficult to say whether this reflects some spiritual notion such as a bear paying homage to a great hunter, or whether this is simply the image of a pet bear trained to stand on its hind legs. When we find ourselves charmed by this amusing image, we share our pleasures with those who first beheld it centuries ago.