The ancient cultures of the states of Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima in western Mexico are particularly well-known for their stunning ceramic art. Detailed figurines such as this one were placed in tombs along with ceramic vessels and other funerary offerings. Some may represent shamans; others companions or servants for the deceased in the afterlife. Their purpose is not known, but often speculated. Such figures provide glimpses into both ideological and domestic aspects of the culture.

The Science Museum of Minnesota cares for a large collection of ceramics from western Mexico and elsewhere in Mesoamerica. This artifact was selected because of the details the artist included. Characteristics that generally don’t survive for archaeologists to study are shown in great detail on this sculpture of a woman carrying water. The style of clothing, the hairstyle, how jewelry was worn, and even tattoos can be seen clearly.
– Ed Fleming, Curator of Archaeology