Vessel in the Form of a Seated Male Figure

The basic form of this vessel is a seated elderly figure bearing a large cylindrical basin on his head. This form’s overall scale, use of clay instead of stone, and remaining polychrome paint are all indicative of the piece’s Oaxaca origin. The Nuiñe style originated in the hot, rough terrain of northwestern Oaxaca, an ideal locus for contact with multiple regions of ancient Mesoamerica. The scrollwork iconography on this basin recalls motifs from Veracruz, further evidence of outside influence and trade. This vessel closely resembles the large stone figure from Teotihuacan seen in this gallery.