400 – 100 B.C.
Sculpture representing a standing woman. The legs are lanky and slightly arched. The belly is rounded and the navel is hollowed-out. The large hips are tied with a loincloth falling between the legs and contrasting with the thin waist. The arms are folded and the hands are holding the generous breasts from below. The face has been delicately modeled. The open mouth shows the gums. The turned up nose has its nostrils pierced. The almond shaped eyes are oblique and have been carved. Her set of jewels, composed of a multi row necklace, bracelets on both wrists, circular earrings with pendants and a high headdress, has been realized with the pelletizing technique. The headdress has a grooved band topped by a turban with a cross motif on the front. Red paint is applied on the feet, the hands and the headdress.
Michoacán culture was located in Michoacán State in Western Mexico. It is renowned for the quality of its terracotta production, always full of life. This standing woman perfectly reveals the mastery of the pelletizing technique by the meticulousness of the details and the fineness of the incised motifs. The artist has used round volumes to convey an incredible grace to the piece, reflecting a sensual vision of women.
