Nayarit Chinesco-Style Figure

This seated ceramic figure is attributed to the ancient Nayarit region of Mexico and was likely used as a ritual or burial offering. The ceramic works of this style, known as Chinesco figures, are often distinguished by puffy, slit-like eyes blended into the face and broad rectangular or triangular heads.

These figures are often shown seated or reclining, with shortened limbs and bulbous, tapered legs as depicted here. The figure is hollow with an opening at the top of the head. This could identify this figure as an effigy vessel which are believed to be temporary containers for the soul of the deceased. Traces of red and black pigment indicate that this was once brightly colored with red clay slip.