Standing Figure of a Mother and Child c. 100 - 250

The Jalisco people created this intriguing terracotta sculpture of a standing mother and child. What strikes us first is the figure's imposing verticality, emphasised by the elongated head and the posture, giving an impression of monumentality. Notice how the artist plays with geometric patterns. Circular motifs adorn the breasts, contrasting with the linear patterns etched onto the figure's lower half. This juxtaposition creates a visual rhythm, guiding our eyes across the form. The child, held aloft, is an extension of the mother. The sculpture's raw, earthy texture speaks to its material origins. The work's enduring power lies in its capacity to invite ongoing conversation around themes of identity and representation.