Pottery figure of a drummer at The British Museum, London

myminifactory

Trumpets, flutes and rattles combine with the rhythms of drums to electrify festivals and other communal celebrations. This musician boasts a flamboyant headdress, adornments and costume that command attention. Drumming was also instrumental in conjuring the presence of ancestral spirits. At least six styles of ceramic sculptures are found in Jalisco, West Mexico, each limited to a specific area or time period. In comparison to the ceramics of Colima and Nayarit though, the subject matter in this region is surprisingly confined. These two sculptures belong to a group commonly called 'sheep-faced' figures, named after their pointed noses and ears and elongated heads. The ears are adorned by earplugs that add an extra touch. The slip that covers the figures is a glossy red, and the details of clothing and ornament are painted in white with precision. Here, the woman wears earplugs and a necklace, along with a typical wrap skirt. The drummer wears the same ornaments and a mantle over one shoulder, characteristic of male figurines that distinguish them from women. Women usually hold a vessel or cup, while men are seen playing musical instruments or holding a variety of objects that showcase their skills. Eating, drinking and playing music are also common subjects in ceramic models from the neighbouring Nayarit region. Although these figures are often presented as a pair, most come from looted shaft tombs and may have been paired at a later date based purely on stylistic similarities that were later discovered. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory. Scan the World aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort that relies on contributions from individuals who have interesting items around them. If you have something that you would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Scanned using Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan).