Figure
The modern state of Veracruz lies along the Mexican Gulf Coast, north of the Maya lowlands and east of the highlands of central Mexico. Culturally diverse and environmentally rich, the people of Veracruz took part in dynamic interchanges between the three regions that over the centuries included trade, warfare, and migration. During the middle centuries of the first millennium, the artistically gifted Veracruzanos created particularly inventive ceramic sculpture in diverse yet related styles. Each of these three standing figures is unique, but they share many details: the curled hair (or hats with curls) with traces of white coloring, the barlike chest ornaments, the projecting ear ornaments, and the elaborate belts or loincloths. The wide mouths are open to show off sparkling teeth that have been blackened with hematite crystals, which are rare on Veracruz ceramic figures. The black pupils of the wide eyes, on the other hand, are a resinous material called chapapote that is not uncommon on Veracruz figures. The varying details on the costumes give the figures an odd appearance of rank, as if they were performers of some kind or military men in dress uniform. It is a narrative note unusual among groups of ceramic figures of this period.
Artwork Details
- Title: Figure
- Date: 7th–10th century
- Geography: Mexico, Mesoamerica, Veracruz
- Culture: Veracruz
- Medium: Ceramic, hematite
- Dimensions: H. 8 1/8 x W. 2 3/4 x D. 2 1/2 in. (20.6 x 7 x 6.4 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Andrall and Joanne Pearson Gift, and The Pearson-Rappaport Foundation Gift, in memory of Andrall E. Pearson, 2009
- Object Number: 2009.12
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
South central Veracruz artist(s)
600–1000 CE
Classic Veracruz artist(s)
800–1100 CE
Classic Veracruz artist(s)
600-900 CE
South central Veracruz artist(s)
600-1000 CE
Huastec artist(s)
900–1521 CE
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.