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Human effigy head

Veracruz
Late Preclassic period
200 B.C.–A.D. 100
Object Place: Veracruz or northeastern Oaxaca, México

Medium/Technique Earthenware: traces of red pigment
Dimensions Overall: 5.4 x 4.5 x 3.2 cm (2 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Margret Craver Withers
Accession Number1993.805
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFigurines

DescriptionFigurine head modeled from fine-grained buff clay with well-polished surface. The upper jaw and teeth are visible in the open mouth. A pair of holes at the back and on top of the head may indicate that the figurine originally wore a removable headdress. Traces of red pigment are found on the forehead below the hair/cap line, the surviving left ear and earflare, and upper lip.
ProvenanceMargret Craver Withers collection (acquired in Mexico and Guatemala) by 1972; to MFA, November 1993, gift of Margret Craver Withers.