Miniature figurine c. 1500

This small terracotta figurine, created by the Tlatilco culture around 1500, is a prime example of their artistic style. The piece is characterized by its simplified, almost geometric, form and the exaggerated features of the face. The figurine likely served a religious purpose, potentially representing a deity or ancestor. Its presence in the Minneapolis Institute of Art allows for contemporary audiences to engage with the artistry and beliefs of this ancient Mesoamerican culture.