ANCIENT GULF COAST: REMOJADAS, VERCRUZ, TOTONAC  REMOJADAS

Standing, “Smiling” Figure with Hands Raised 

A.D. 600/900

Figure of a Seated Leader A.D. 300/600

This naturalistic figure ranks among the finest works of the Remojadas sculptural tradition. The artist modeled the face of a youthful chieftain as an idealized type, yet there is also a sense of individual portraiture. Sitting cross-legged, with arms extended to the knees, the young ruler’s body conveys tension. He is elegantly dressed with an elaborate turban, belt, and skirt. The jewelry adorning his wrists and neck represents flowers, while the embroidery of the belt likely signals his rank and status.
Sophisticated clay technology was used to create this masterpiece. The head and neck were modeled separately and fitted into the top of the body, with soft clay added to smooth and strengthen the seam. The arms and legs were made of hollow tubes, while the flowers and belt ornaments were prepared from small bits of clay pressed to the moist surface. After the assembled figure completely dried, it was fired. The naturalistic rendition of the human form, close attention to human expression, and technological command of the material attest to a mature artistic tradition and an accomplished sculptor.

Portrait Head A.D. 250

VERACRUZ

Ceremonial Ballgame Yoke A.D. 700/800

Played throughout Mesoamerica, the ceremonial ballgame was a sport as well as a ritual substitute for war in which sacrifice was often the final outcome. Players were required to propel a heavy rubber ball with their hips, thighs, shoulders, and lower arms. A yoke, made of padded leather or wood, was worn at mid-body to protect the torso and direct the ball. Carved stone yokes were intended as ceremonial emblems or trophies and were not used in actual play. At least eleven ballcourts have been discovered at El Tajín, suggesting that the city may have been a sort of Olympic center as well as a ruling capital.

Fragment of a Ceremonial Ballgame Yoke A.D. 700/800

Figure Carried in a Litter A.D. 600/950

Dancing Figure Wearing Animal Headdress and Ornate Costume A.D. 600/900

Standing Warrior Figure with Removable Mask and Headdress

A.D. 700/1000

Ballplayer Figurine A.D. 800/1400

Ballplayer Figurine A.D. 800/1400

Figure of a Woman in Ceremonial Dress A.D. 700/900

In the afterlife, it was the role of deceased noble ancestors to communicate with the deified forces of nature on behalf of their people. Presented as offerings at ancestral shrines, mold-made figures of this kind were sometimes reshaped while the clay was still moist to give them more individualized facial features.

Polychrome Plate Depicting a Standing Figure with Ornate Speach-Scroll 
A.D. 600/900

Tripod Polychrome Bowl Depicting a Serpent with Scales and Feathers and Fluid Motifs A.D. 500/750