Figura prehispánica VI. Figura sonriente, Veracruz
Figuras prehispánicas

Artist name

Rufino Tamayo

Artist year born

1899

Artist year deceased

1991

Artwork make date

1976

Artwork title translation

Prehispanic Figure VI. Smiling Figure, Veracruz
Prehispanic Figures

Artwork material

lithograph
paper

Artwork dimensions

height: 56cm
width: 45.5cm

Artwork type (categories)

Print

Accession method

Donated by the Fundación Olga y Rufino Tamayo 1997

Accession number

61:7-1997

Label text

Figura sonriente is based upon a figurine from the Veracruz region of Mexico. Nude except for an elaborate headdress that resembles horns and a large beaded necklace, this figure stands energetically with arms raised and legs apart. The figure's jubilant expression and Gulf Coast origin place it within the intriguing 'Smiling Figures' style of Prehispanic Mexican art. The significance of these figures' mysterious smiles is unclear yet evocative. Although it has been suggested that they may be connected to a go d of dance and music, another interpretation is that they may be members of the cult of pulque, with their puffy facial features indicating that they are in a hallucinogenic stupor in preparation to be sacrificed. The heads of many of these ceramic figures have been recovered without their bodies, which may suggest ritual decapitation. As if in keeping with the ecstatic mood of the figure and its sacrificial status, Tamayo has painted a bright pink stroke down the centre of its body. As with the Xipe image of the series, the smiling figure is given a dramatic quality by the circular pattern surrounding it. Tamayo has skilfully used simple lines to indicate both the formal economy of the original piece and his own artistic expressiveness.
Terri Geis

Last updated date

2008