Pre-Columbian Colima Seated Figure

Pre-Columbian Colima Seated Figure

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Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Americas:Pre Columbian: Pre AD 1000: Item # 588844

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Colima is one of the tiniest modern states in Mexico, located in the west-central region bordering the Pacific Ocean. Archaeologists refer to the culture that flourished there in ancient times by its modern name since very little information is known about the people themselves. In comparison with the high civilizations of the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs, the Colima culture - and other West Mexican sites such as Nayarit, Jalisco, and Mezcala - remains shadowed in relative obscurity. The geography of the area discouraged contact with the rest of Mesoamerica, where more developed civilizations flourished. Because of the lack of similarities between these societies and those further east, archaeologists have postulated that West Mexico was comprised of many small political and social units, in contrast to the large eastern empires. Yet, while we know very little about the social and political organization of West Mexico, the objects that the people left behind give us insight into their daily lives. Artifacts of great subtlety and craftsmanship were found in shaft tombs in Colima that attest to the skill of their makers. (A shaft tomb is a series of narrow burial chambers, located 3'-18' below ground, where multiple bodies were laid to rest along with large numbers of clay figures and pottery.) This figure belongs to a tradition of smaller, solid figures that were placed in tombs alongside the larger, classic hollow figures that are more readily associated with Colima output. For other figures of this type, see LACMA, "Sculpture of Ancient West Mexico (2nd ed.)", figure 143.

AGE: 300 BC - 300 AD

CONDITION: Intact with extensive deposits. Has some wear to the end of the left leg and a small chip to the right side of the nose, but overall in great condition.

DIMENSIONS: 5.2" tall (8.9 cm)