Female Figure c. 200

This four-inch sculpture of a female figure was created by an artist from Colima, part of modern-day Mexico. The figure is a window into the social roles and identities within the Colima culture. The woman is depicted kneeling with a burden on her left shoulder, possibly symbolizing the labor and responsibilities placed upon women in this society. Her attire, a simple skirt and headdress, along with her bare chest, indicates her status and role within the community. The Colima culture, known for its ceramic artistry, often used such figures in funerary offerings. These pieces provide a glimpse into their beliefs about the afterlife. Consider the emotional depth embedded in this small figure. She represents not just an individual, but a collective identity, reflecting the lives, labors, and legacies of the women of Colima.