Figure 300 - 799

This figure was made by a Chorotega artist from earthenware, an ancient and earthy material. It's a very basic technology, of course – just digging clay out of the ground and firing it. But this is also what gives the object so much of its character. The Chorotega people were renowned for their pottery skills, and this little figure is a testament to their expertise. Notice how the clay has been carefully shaped and molded to create a sense of volume and weight? The surface is smooth, but also shows the marks of the maker's hands. We don't know exactly what this figure was used for. But what's clear is that the making of this object was an act of deep cultural significance, one that connected the Chorotega people to their history, their environment, and their beliefs. It is a reminder that even the simplest materials, when worked with skill and intention, can carry profound meaning.