Miniature figurine c. 1500

This unassuming clay figurine was crafted by the Tlatilco people. Its earthy tones and rough texture give it a primal presence. The figure is symmetrical and star-shaped, yet its features are oddly placed, with bulging eyes and an undefined mouth. This asymmetry destabilizes our expectations, pushing us to question the underlying logic of representation. The simplification of form allows for a focus on essential characteristics. The figure invites a structuralist analysis. Each element, from the shape of the limbs to the placement of the eyes, operates as a sign. It is as if the artist is deconstructing the human form, challenging fixed notions of identity and being. The crude, handmade quality of this piece is not a limitation, but rather, a statement. It reminds us that art is not just about technical skill, but also about the expression of deeper cultural values and philosophical ideas.