Colima Ceramic Seated Figure

A broad-shouldered figure sits with arms folded across a chest as solid as a barrel.

This seated figure is Colima, from West Mexico, Mexico, and dates to 100 BCE to 300 CE, in terra cotta. Colima artists produced a wide range of hollow figures for burial, from human forms to animals, usually in a polished, earthy clay. This one has a rounded head with a band at the brow and a long, narrow nose. The folded arms form a thick rolled bar across the chest, pierced by a small hole. The body sits on folded legs, with short, blocky feet. Grey-brown clay is spotted with dark traces. It is 4 inches wide, 3 deep and 6 high.

Folded arms and a firm expression, as if daring anyone to move it.