Standing female figure c. 250 - 300

This is a standing female figure, made by an artist from the Chupícuaro culture. Located in modern-day Guanajuato, Mexico, the Chupícuaro people flourished between 500 BCE and 300 CE. Like this figure, their art offers a glimpse into their beliefs and social structures. The statue's nudity may have been linked to fertility rituals. Her adornments, like the earrings and necklace, suggest social status. Because there are no written records, art historians rely on archaeological evidence and comparisons with other Mesoamerican cultures to interpret Chupícuaro art. We study the cultural and environmental context in which it was found. These artifacts found their way into museums through collecting and trade, shaping our understanding of ancient cultures. By studying these objects, we gain insights into the daily lives, rituals, and values of a people long gone.