The Nayarit culture, named after the modern region they once inhabited, was located along the Pacific coast of Mexico, northwest of Mexico City. The figures in Nayarit art are often comic or grotesque, and indicate nothing of the religious beliefs of the people. Instead they depict everyday people engaged in everyday activities. However, the figures are all clearly divided into a distinct social class structure based upon the sophistication of their costume, decorations, and jewelry. Yet, this is somewhat misleading considering that the figures were all placed in tombs.
This stunning sculpture depicts a seated woman elegantly colored in an orange glaze. There are signs of painted black highlights along her face and back; however, these have become worn with time. The artist has chosen to leave the rough burnished surface of the clay unfinished on her jewelry and hair in order to differentiate these textures from that of her skin. This effect is quite stunning and enhances the smoothness and luster of her sculpted flesh. Earrings fill her entire ears and armbands cover the majority of her upper arms. Although her breasts and swollen stomach are only subtly elaborated, her sex has been clearly indicated by a vertical slit in between her legs similar to the marks that delineate her individual fingers. Her hair has been intricately braided as conveyed by a series of diagonal incisions carved into the back of her head. Who might this woman represent? Might she be a long lost loved one, or perhaps a spiritual companion meant to accompany the deceased? Discovered buried inside a tomb along side the dead, this gorgeous sculpture was surely as important in the afterlife as it was in our own world.