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Figures like this are found in graves from the preclassic period in western Mexico. The purpose of such sculptures is not yet perfectly understood, though it is apparent they were among other items that were buried with important individuals, perhaps to serve as spirit companions for the dead. This figures is remarkable for his large size, for his fine polychrome slip-painted surface, and for the information he provides regarding he equipment worn and carried by athletes or military men of Mexico in ancient times. As is often the case with modern athletes and warriors, their protective gear and the implements they carry are neither clearly for war nor for games. His highly burnished polychrome surface and shoulder "pellets" are typical of terracottas from Jalisco which depict warriors, as are his headband and 'at bat' posture.Label
Figures like this one are found in graves from the Preclassic period in Western Mexico. The purpose of such sculptures is not yet perfectly understood, though it seems they were buried with important individuals to serve as spirit companions for the dead. This figure is remarkable for his size, and for the information he provides regarding equipment worn and carried by athletes or military men of Mexico in ancient times. His "shoulder pellets" are typical of terracotta sculptures from Jalisco.