This sculpture comes from the West Mexican cultures whose burial practices differed slightly than those in Central and Southern Mesoamerica. In this region of Mesoamerica, the distinction between elite and non-elite burial sites lies in the elaborate ornamentation and scale of sculptural figures, whereas in cultures like the Maya, large sites such as the pyramids served as markers of one’s status.
Although the architecture of burial sites in West Mexico was modest in size, the array of offerings was similar and often contained jewelry, shells, and sculptures. Large-scale objects like this often contained individualized features and, in some instances, served as portraits of the buried individual. The seated male subject wears a helmet or headdress and has painted patterns along the chest and torso that may be representative of clothing, tattoos, or body paint.
