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.