Description
The protruding ribs and staring eyes of this melancholy figure may show the effects of a ritual fast, rather than famine. Fasting purified an individual in preparation for religious rites and may have enhanced the search for supernatural visions.
Provenance
Benedict Crowell, Jr., Oaxaca, MX, 1965, given to James C. and Florence C. Gruener (?-1965); James C. [1903-1990] and Florence C. [1908-1982] Gruener, Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1965-1990); The Cleveland Museum of Art (1990)
Accession Number
1990.261
Medium
earthenware with burnished red slip
Dimensions
Overall: 14 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm (5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener
