Mexico, Basin of Mexico, Tlatilco
1200–400 BC
Ceramic
Height: 1⅜ in (3.5 cm)
Provenance: Steve Farr, Dallas, Texas
The Tlatilco culture of the Basin of Central Mexico produced a range of ceramic figurine types during the Middle Preclassic period, among them a distinctive group characterized by dramatically enlarged circular eyes rendered as applied pellets or deeply modeled forms that dominate the facial field. These big-eyed figures are among the most immediately recognizable Tlatilco types and are interpreted variously as depictions of shamanic trance states, ritual mask wearers, or supernatural beings associated with transformation and the underworld. Their intimate scale and intensity of expression reflect a ceramic tradition of considerable sophistication for its period.
This small figure displays the exaggerated circular eyes characteristic of the type, set within a broad face with a compact body below. The surface carries an earth-tone patina consistent with burial context, and the modeling, despite the small scale, retains the confident directness of Tlatilco workshop production. The Dallas provenance through Steve Farr, who also supplied the male Tlatilco figure in the collection, gives this piece a clear single-owner collecting history.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Mexico, Basin of Mexico, Tlatilco
1200–400 BC
Ceramic
Height: 1⅜ in (3.5 cm)
Provenance: Steve Farr, Dallas, Texas
The Tlatilco culture of the Basin of Central Mexico produced a range of ceramic figurine types during the Middle Preclassic period, among them a distinctive group characterized by dramatically enlarged circular eyes rendered as applied pellets or deeply modeled forms that dominate the facial field. These big-eyed figures are among the most immediately recognizable Tlatilco types and are interpreted variously as depictions of shamanic trance states, ritual mask wearers, or supernatural beings associated with transformation and the underworld. Their intimate scale and intensity of expression reflect a ceramic tradition of considerable sophistication for its period.
This small figure displays the exaggerated circular eyes characteristic of the type, set within a broad face with a compact body below. The surface carries an earth-tone patina consistent with burial context, and the modeling, despite the small scale, retains the confident directness of Tlatilco workshop production. The Dallas provenance through Steve Farr, who also supplied the male Tlatilco figure in the collection, gives this piece a clear single-owner collecting history.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
