Jalisco Sculpture of an Old Lady Weaving, 300 BCE - 300 CE
Terracotta
5.75 x 9.5
PF.4426
Further images
Suddenly time and distance condense, differences between races and cultures vanish, and all people become one, when presented with such an object as this work of art. A woman is...
Suddenly time and distance condense, differences between races and cultures vanish, and all people become one, when presented with such an object as this work of art. A woman is busy weaving a piece of cloth. The material is wrapped around her legs, the end strand neatly curled in a basket resting against her leg. She is hard at work; we can see a certain strain on her furrowed forehead, yet her expression is a cheerful one, as if she is happily conversing with her friends. It is very rare to catch a glimpse of life long ago. It is the legacy of artists to give us this insight. The artist of this enchanting sculpture obviously took pleasure in his work. The detail conveys an understanding of domestic chores, and sympathy with the women who did them. This particular woman has undoubtedly done many such tasks in her life. Her breasts sag as she leans slightly forward, perhaps denoting her age. The shift of weight to her right is cleverly depicted in added flesh on her left side. She wears a headband tied into a knot at the back. A band ending in two folds on her hip delineates her skirt. A hole on the top of her head suggests it was a drinking vessel. There was value placed on skills such as weaving and an enjoyment is seeing it represented in art- as here, a domestic chore immortalized forever.
Literature
V24