Miniature figurine c. 1500

This miniature figurine was made by the Tlatilco people, using humble materials readily available to them - most likely clay. The figurine's form, defined by simple curves and textures, speaks to the inherent qualities of the material. Notice the way the clay has been pinched and molded to create the distinct shapes, with visible fingerprints hinting at the direct hand of the artist. This kind of work involves a deep, intimate knowledge of the material. The maker would have had to understand the clay’s plasticity, its response to pressure, and its transformation through drying and firing. The processes used carry significant cultural meaning. The act of molding and firing clay was not merely a technical exercise, but a social practice, intimately tied to daily life, belief systems, and community identity. This figurine invites us to consider how the boundaries between art, craft, and the everyday become blurred, enriching our appreciation for the diverse forms of human creativity.