Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Tlatilco, ca. 1250-800 BCE. The name Tlatilco comes from the Nahuatl language and means "the place of occult or hidden things." This funerary gift depicts a female figure who has undergone a caesarean procedure paired with a miniature version of herself, fascinating as duality is an omnipresent Meso-American theme. Throughout Meso-America, life and death are indivisible and form a continuum. Ritual ceramics of the Tlatilco culture oftentimes exhibit unmistakable Olmec influence resulting from cross-cultural trade relations. These figurines, while not obviously Olmecoid in physiognomy, depict a condition portrayed by the Olmec who were unabashed about depicting the graphic details of a wide range of experiences from women in labor to pathological conditions. Perhaps related to a fertility ritual, the figures' limbs are truncated so as to focus our attention on the loci of fertility - ie the pronounced womb and breasts. The figure also possesses a horn-like feature emerging from her forehead, perhaps referencing shamanistic qualities. Moreover, the necklace and ankle bands ornamenting the figure are attributes of an elite member of society. A most unusual treasure, clearly created to serve a ritualistic and/or didactic function. 12.50"W x 7.25"H (31.75 W x 18.42 H cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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Restoration to left leg. Surface wear and slight losses in particular to appendages. Else good condition.