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Chupicuaro Figure

  • Country: Mexico
  • Source: Xanadu Gallery, San Francisco from the Land Collection
  • Size (cm): 10
  • Material: Terra Cotta

Chupícuaro was a major ceramic center, recognized as one of the best in Mesoamerica by the fine ceramic finishing and decoration, which were developed in multiple shapes and colors, some with geometrical drawings. The motifs were deities, maternity, breastfeeding, people and its ornaments, animals and plants.

Ceramics included multiple monochromatic forms and a variety of three-color polychrome (red, beige and black) with pyramidal geometrical drawings or zig-zag. Clay figurines used “pastillaje” techniques and made hollow figures. Shell, bone and stone were used.

From study of ceramic styles, the clothing used is inferred, they painted their faces and bodies, wore sandals, truss, necklaces, earflaps, and earrings. Women wore elaborate hairstyles.

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