“Standing Male Figure”

Artist: Unknown

Where is the artwork from: Central Veracruz, Mexico

Date: 600-900 CE

Medium: Earthenware with traces of black asphalt paint

The region of Veracruz was a geographical and cultural link between Teotihuacán in the highlands of central Mexico and cities in the Maya Lowlands to the southeast. It was the source of a lively ceramic tradition that depicted deities, costumed figures and warriors.

It is very rare to see an intact earthenware figurine of this size. The standing male figure is wearing tubular ear rods and an elaborate feathered headdress and kilt. In his hands he holds a long stick and a rectangular shield, a distinctive feature of Teotihuacan soldiers. This figurine is an example of the Classic period style from Veracruz. A distinct characteristic of this period is asphalt decoration used to highlight ornaments and facial expressions. This asphalt is a naturally occurring crude oil residue found in seepages along low-lying areas in the Mexican Gold Coast as well as offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, where it washes ashore.

Fun fact: In the city of El Tajín in Veracruz, which flourished between 600-1100 CE, waterproofing through the application of asphalt was already being used.