Nayarit Sculpture of Mother Carrying a Child - PF.2930, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high, Catalogue: V15, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Nayarit, Medium: Terracotta. The clay sculpture of a mother carrying her child on her back depicts an activity of a daily village life. Many of pre-classic art from west Mexico reflect scenes from the everyday village life. However, this unique piece is much more special because it informs us of the Nayarit culture's method of transporting babies. Unlike numerous other mother child figures that show child on mother's lap, for example, this work shows how the mother used a cloth carriage to hold and to transport her child on her back. The innocent child clings to the mother's back with the fragile limbs and hands. The expression on the baby’s face shows sweet naiveté, delight, and satisfaction of being close to the mother and the warm, symbiotic bond between the mother and the child is evidently displayed. Contrast to the small and fragile baby, the stout mother stands proudly with her head slightly raised. Showing her large bosom, she has her hands placed on both sides of her belly, which enforces the idea of childbearing and fertility. Standing firmly with her two large feet on the ground and wearing a simple headdress and a skirt, she generates the undeniable characteristic of the earthy motherhood.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico