On view
Standing female figurine,
400 BCE–500 CE
More Context
The remarkable naturalism of Xochipala figurines, exemplified by this nude female, stands in stark contrast to the contemporary, highly stylized art of other Early Formative cultures of Mesoamerica. The surface modeling of the figure, made from a solid piece of clay by an artist with an impressive knowledge of the human form, sensitively indicates skeletal structure and musculature. The delicate gestures balance the weighty, full figure with a sense of gracefulness. Fleshy cheeks, supple lips, and modeled eyes with punctuated pupils provide a calm visage. The centrally parted, short hairstyle is characteristic of Xochipala figurines. The culture responsible for this engaging piece remains poorly understood, as little archaeological work has been conducted in the region. Some centuries after the production of this figurine, the Gulf Coast Olmec interacted with the people of Xochipala, as shown by the incorporation of the dramatically distinct Olmec style in the region.
More About This Object
Information
400 BCE–500 CE
North America, Mexico, Guerrero, upper Balsas region, Vicinity of Xochipala
Before May 25, 1971, sold by Robert Stolper, Munich, to Gillett G. Griffin (1928-2016), Princeton, NJ [1]; 2016, bequest of Gillett G. Griffin to the Princeton University Art Museum.
Notes:
[1] A hand-written note from Gillett G. Griffin, dated May 25, 1971, notes this object arrived that day to the museum on approval, or came into Griffin’s possession, from Robert Stolper, Munich. Slides GGG2753ff in the Griffin archive are also dated June 1, 1971.
- Gillett G. Griffin, "Xochipala, the Earliest Great Art Style in Mexico," Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 116, no. 4 (August 1972): 301-309, figs. 3 and 4, p. 304 (illus.)
- Carlo T. E. Gay, Xochipala: The Beginnings of Olmec Art (Princeton, The Princeton University Art Museum, 1972)., figs. 7a–d, pp. 21–23 (illus.)
-
Gordon Willey, ed. Das alte Amerika (Berlin: Propyläen Verlag, 1975)
, pl. 137 - Ancient American art: An Aesthetic View (Waltham, MA: Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, 1981), fig. 99 (illus.)
- Harmer Johnson, ed. Guide to the Arts of the Americas (New York: Rizzoli, 1992), p. 122 (illus.)
- Jill Guthrie, ed., In celebration: works of art from the Collections of Princeton Alumni and Friends of The Art Museum, Princeton University, (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Art Museum, 1997)., p. 270, fig. 234
- Princeton University Art Museum: Handbook of the Collection (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2007), p. 265 (illus.)
-
"Acquisitions of the Princeton University Art Museum 2016," Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University 75/76 (2016-17): 126-157.
, p. 128
-
Ancient American Art: An Aesthetic View (November 7–December 20, 1981)
-
In Celebration: Works of Art from the Collections of Princeton Alumni and Friends of the Art Museum (Saturday, February 22, 1997 - Sunday, June 08, 1997)
-
An Educated Eye: The Princeton University Art Museum Collection (Friday, February 22, 2008 - Sunday, June 15, 2008)
