Vessel in the Form of a Seated Woman, 800 CE - 1200 CE
Terracotta
11.75
PF.3531
                                    Further images
                                   This stylized female figure with inflated body and an expressive face is a tri-chrome ceramic type. Its round body and head is enhanced with fluid, gesturer painted lines forming symbolic...
                        
                    
                                                    This stylized female figure with inflated body and an expressive face is a tri-chrome ceramic type.  Its round body and head is enhanced with fluid, gesturer painted lines forming symbolic decorative patterns that accentuate physical features.  Black lines enlarge the wide-open eyes and the mouth, which is open to show the teeth.  A round headdress with beads is indicated on her head.  Her voluptuous body undoubtedly expresses fertility--the painted lines encircle her breasts and her protruding belly seems to glow with warmth of the light orange color.  And as if she is proud to be carrying a life within her, she gently rests her hands by her belly.  Moreover, a curious shape painted on her chest seems to resemble an open-heart cavity, which may suggest ritual and sacrifice.  Perhaps she was an important person in the ancient village, a priestess or a woman of high status.  Although she is sculpted in a highly stylized manner, we can certainly feel the fertility and motherhood generating from her.  This sculpture's unique beauty touches our hearts as it did centuries ago.