Pihuamo Style Colima Terracotta Sculpture of a Standing Man - PF.2186,Origin: Colima, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.5" (21.6cm) high x 4.875" (12.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Pihuamo,Medium: Terracotta. Though this standing figure represents a human male with rudimentary abstraction, we nonetheless sense the presence of a living personality. The crested helmet and painted bands across the chest and back suggest that this figure may a shaman warrior guardian, meant to keep evil spirits away from the entrance to a tomb. The figure takes a defiant stance, and his prominent penis may be another apotropaic symbol for good luck and to frighten away unknown evil. Though he no longer stands guard in a tomb, he seems to take his benevolent duties very seriously. Such a brave guardian might be useful to keep around.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico