Standing female figure c. 250 - 300

This figurine was made by an artist from the Chupícuaro culture, using readily available clay. The soft, malleable nature of the clay allowed the artist to shape the figure with simple hand-building techniques, likely pinching and coiling the clay to create the basic form. The subtle surface variations and irregularities speak to the directness of the artist’s touch, reminding us of the human effort embedded in the object. The artist has also used a sharp tool to incise details such as the woman's headdress and necklace, giving this small-scale object a great amount of textural interest. The firing process would have transformed the clay, hardening it and giving it a slightly rough, earthy surface. By understanding the materials and processes, we come to appreciate the skill involved in transforming humble clay into an object of cultural and artistic significance. This helps us move beyond conventional art history, acknowledging the significance of indigenous craft traditions.