Fine Michoacán Female Figurine Early Preclassic, ca. 1200-300 B.C.

the elegant attentuated form emphasizing her long tapered legs pressed together, rounded lower abdomen and delicate slender arms with hands indicated against her waist, with tall striated coiffure, her face marked by large eyes probably once inlaid, arched brows, mouth relaxed open and adorned with earrings and a pendant necklace.

Acquired in the late 1960's

Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Ancient West Mexico, Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past, September 5-November 22, 1998
Balimore, The Walters Art Museum, 2002-2010

Richard F. Townsend, ed. Ancient West Mexico,  Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past, The Art Institute of Chicago, 1998, pg. 250, Fig. 1

Excellent, appears intact, slight losses of white pigment on torso as shown, but overall fine . Modeling and details excellent.
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The solid figurines of the Preclassic era constitute some of the most expressive and stylized sculptures of Mesoamerica. Their refined forms convey a dimension beyond their actual size and a strength surpassing their delicate structure. This figurine is associated with the El Opeño culture from Western Michoacán, and shares traits with Olmec style figures to the southeast. Her posture of arched shoulders and relaxed knees recalls Olmec standing figures in clay and stone.