Museum Collections - Mesoamerica - West Mexican Cultures - Artifact #1
WHO: Culture group from the Nayarit region of West Mexico
WHERE: Nayarit, West Mexico
WHEN: 0 - A.D. 700
WHAT: An elaborate seated male figure depicting extensive body decoration, ear and nose ornaments and headgear. The headgear has been interpreted by some scholars as an animal visor, a hat made out of the skin of a small dog. It has been suggested that such headdresses were associated with shamanism. Shamans were very important spiritual leaders in every ancient American society. A shaman can be described as the member of a society who can communicate with the otherworld of spirits and ancestors and share the wisdom gained through such interaction with the community.
HOW: Coil-built and hand-modelled red earthenware with polychrome decoration.
MUSEUM: Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. G83.1.43
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