NAYARIT SEATED FEMALE FIGURE, LAGUNILLAS TYPE D PROTOCLASSIC, CIRCA 100 BC-AD 250

This figure sits in a meditative pose, hands placed at her waist, her legs are outstretched and spread wide apart. This position may suggest a stage in the birthing process or may indicate fertility. Adorned with a row of pendant earrings and three necklaces, the figure bears a squared head with finely combed coiffure and a delicately pointed chin. The reddish slip covering most of the body is a typical and iconic characteristic of Lagunillas Type D. Her strong presence demonstrates the mastery with which ancient West Mexican artists handled this ceramic medium. 

See Butterwick, Heritage of Power: Ancient Sculpture from West Mexico, New York, 2004, cat. no. 41, for the type.