Miniature figurine c. 1500

This miniature figurine was crafted by the Tlatilco people, and is now held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The sculpture presents a compact, brown form, seemingly emerging from the earth itself. The bust's coarse texture and earthy hue suggests a profound connection to the material world, drawing our attention to the formal qualities of the figurine. Its diminutive size invites close inspection, prompting us to consider the tactile experience of the object. The features are not just representational but symbolic, hinting at deeper cultural meanings. We can consider how its construction and function may have disrupted established norms, or engaged with new ways of thinking about representation. Note how the unrefined surface and the simplified shapes function beyond mere aesthetics. They act as a visual code, prompting us to question fixed interpretations.