Since very early times, Pre-Columbian artists explored the human figure. They observed movements, postures and features that were later expressed in sculpture and ceramic pictorial art. Another way of representation stood out throughout the Mesoamerican region: ceramic vessels, and containers made of other materials, endowed with facial and body expression. Within the portable objects category, these have been a source of inspiration since antiquity.

For the Pre-Columbian potter or artisan-artist, the shape, volume and smooth surface presented a challenge and an opportunity for decoration. Among the most popular were the “effigy vessels” (with three-dimensional features that include head, limbs and other parts of the body), and “vessels with face” (a specific sub-category of vessels with facial features created according to the shape of the walls and the texture of the surface). The variety is wide and very creative.

The collection is under the custody of the La Ruta Maya Foundation for its protection, conservation, research, dissemination and exhibition to the public for educational purposes. Therefore, it is registered as Cultural Heritage of the Nation before the Register of Cultural Property of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. 

This show is possible thanks to CONFÍO Insurance Company, the Paiz-Schloesser family, Embapaq Movers, Comunicación Estratégica, and the very important hospitality and unconditional support of the Spanish Cooperation Training Center (CFCE) and its staff.