Hunchback Leaning on Staff

myminifactory

The distinctive sculpture of northern Veracruz's Huastec region presents a strikingly stylized depiction. Here, a fluidly abstract representation of a figure leaning heavily on a staff takes on the appearance of old age itself, with its lined face, stooped posture, hunched back, and sagging knees all suggesting a life well-lived. With chin resting firmly on the staff that curves downward to end beneath its feet, the figure may be none other than the Huastec thunder god, Mam, wielding his trusty digging stick for planting purposes. However, similar sculptures feature staffs ending in snake heads, leaving unanswered questions about the specifics of this interpretation.