Chinesco Style (Type E) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Kneeling Figure, 300 BCE - 300 CE
Terra Cotta
7.5
JC.2003
Further images
This effigy figure sits in a humble position with his arms at the waist His exaggerated and simplified limbs accentuate the crouching position. The face of this fired clay figure...
This effigy figure sits in a humble position with his arms at the waist His exaggerated and simplified limbs accentuate the crouching position. The face of this fired clay figure shows the chinesco style, which is one exemplary style from the Nayarit culture. The body is decorated with beautiful rich tan color and minimal accents of red on the face, neck, hands, belt and sash covering the right breast area. Such design not only adds visually interesting quality to the figure but it also attributes mysterious, symbolic quality. Being found from a shaft-tomb, this humble effigy figure also carries the funerary symbolism of Nayarit culture. People of Nayarit culture were obsessed with burial practices and, thus, channeled their artistic energy into making funerary figurines. Such hand-modeled figures were a widespread tradition in the pre-classic society. This charming clay figure is not only a witness of the funerary ritual but also is the embodiment of the artistic energy of Nayarit culture.