Man Holding a Mace or Fan (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

300 BC–AD 200
Nayarit
terracotta with polychrome pigments
Central America,Mexico,West Mexico,Mesoamerica
Overall: 16 × 9 1/2 × 5 1/4 in. (40.64 × 24.13 × 13.34 cm)
80.56
This terracotta figure representing a warrior wears an elaborately painted poncho decorated with geometric designs and a turbanlike helmet composed of wrapped textile straps. The object in the figure’s right hand most likely represents a weapon, such as a mace. Figures such as this probably served as guardians for the spirits of the deceased.
Late Formative
Gift from Dr. and Mrs. Simon Russi in memory of their parents
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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