Cuchimilco Standing Figure

Cuchimilco figurines such as this one were made by the Chancay people who lived in what we now call Peru between 1200 AD and 1450 AD, before they fell to the Incan Empire. The cuchimilco figures are some of the only distinctive objects left behind by the Chancay people that allow us to catch a glimpse into their ancient history. Although their functions are not confirmed, it is likely that they were used as guardian figures for the deceased and as accompanying objects in one’s afterlife since many of these objects were found inside burial grounds. These figures are characterized by their unglazed state, stocky body with upraised arms. Many times they will have painted decorations on their bodies with black pigment.