Female Dwarf Holding a Staff
Artist/Maker
Colima
Pacific Coast, Mexico
Dateca. 300 BCE-300 CE
CultureColima
Mediumpottery and slip paint
DimensionsOverall: 12 3/8 x 8 5/8 x 6 1/2 in. (31.4 x 21.9 x 16.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Julien Balogh
Terms
Object number76.035.002
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThis female dwarf figure is an excellent example of the Colima figural ceramic tradition that portrayed the human condition in great detail. She has a prominent nose and lips, but her eyes lack expression. Her ears are pierced with noticeable holes for additional ornaments. Her breasts are barely suggested and she lacks her left hand. A simple red skirt is the only clothing depicted and is typical attire for women in Colima figurines. In West Mexican cultures dwarfs were believed to have shamanic powers.- Art of the Ancient Americas
