Terracotta Seated Female

Women are the promise of life. They are fertility with a human face. Surely this charming female figurine was associated with ancient fertility rites. Ritual incense may have been placed inside her wide, elaborate headdress. Fragrant incense smoke and sacred chanting and dance may have been performed before her. She captivates us with her harmonious fullness of form and the effective momentum of her designs. The interlocking mat patterns may be indicative of dress or body painting. Large earspools adorn her ears and her mouth is sensual and full. She possesses a sense of liveliness and a seductiveness that immediately captures our hearts and imaginations.