Woman with child

Aztec woman and child figurine, Mexica (1325-1521 CE), ceramic with traces of black paint, height 17 cms., National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City.

This representation of a woman carrying a child in a sling is an expressive and unusual composition. The woman bears a large turban and two large circular ears-spools. The child’s feet and arms are free, the body supported by the mother’s sling. The black painted lines help to make certain features of the composition, including items of clothing, stand out. The whole piece is full of life and movement.

Photo by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore