Miniature figurine c. 1500

This miniature figurine was made by the Tlatilco people, who lived in the Valley of Mexico sometime between 1500 and 500 BCE. We know that the Tlatilco were sophisticated, agricultural people; yet what is most remarkable about them is their art. The figurine's significance is largely unknown, however its hole indicates it was probably worn as a pendant. These figurines are an intimate form of representation, offering a glimpse into how the Tlatilco understood the world. Its small size and the sense of containment, with the arms crossed over the body, provoke a feeling of introspection. The Tlatilco were masterful at using clay to represent the human form, and their figurines are notable for exploring dualities and deformities. In this way, the figurine transcends traditional representation, inviting us to meditate on the complexities of being, and the human capacity to embrace difference.