Funerary Cheek-Piercing Ritual c. 200 - 300

This terracotta sculpture, created by the Nayarit people of Mexico between 200 and 300 CE, depicts a ritualistic scene of cheek-piercing. The figures, stylized and somewhat abstract, are arranged in a circle around a central vessel, possibly representing a tomb. This artwork, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides insight into the funerary practices of the Nayarit culture. Its details offer valuable information about their beliefs and rituals, including the symbolic significance of piercing as a ritual act. The sculpture showcases the artistic skill of the Nayarit people, who utilized terracotta as a medium to express their cultural and spiritual beliefs.