Miniature figurine c. 1500

This miniature figurine, created by the Tlatilco culture around 1500 AD, is a prime example of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican art. The figurine, made of ceramic, depicts a stylized human figure with exaggerated features, possibly a deity or ancestral figure. The simplistic form and the incised lines on the face and body suggest a ritualistic purpose, perhaps as an offering or a symbol of spiritual power. This piece, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers a glimpse into the rich artistic tradition of the Tlatilco culture.