Figure

These types of hollow, naturalistic redware ceramics have been found in (often elaborate) shaft tombs, a mortuary structure unique to the western Mexican states of Colima, Nayarit and Jalisco. Some experts think the main figure found in such burials may represent a powerful, elite member of the society; other figures may depict retainers sacrificed to accompany that person in the afterlife. Other figures commonly depict warriors, pregnant women, acrobats, male and female couples both seated and standing, and women with children. (The end date of the period is in dispute.)

This seated female is holding a rattle, suggesting she was participating in a religious ceremony.

A red painted earthenware hollow seated female figure, sitting with the knees folded under. The figure's left arm is bent so that it's left hand is at the back of the head. The figure's right arm is bent so that the right hand is holding a rattle forward. The rattle is a round ball with a protruding point at the top centre and a cone-like handle. There are breasts and a slightly rounded belly. White eyes with black pupils, open mouth with white teeth. Earrings and necklace.