Tlatilco culture and an ancient fish figurine in Mesoamerica
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
An Ancient Fish Figurine
Enter the captivating world of ancient Central Mexico with a vibrant figurine showing a fish! Dating back 2,000 to 2,500 years before the rise of the Aztec Empire, this exquisite ceramic figure offers a glimpse into the artistic prowess and cultural richness of early Mesoamerican civilizations. This fish figurine comes from the ancient site of Tlatilco, found in one of more than 340 burials.
Fish figurine, c. 1200–900 BCE, early formative period, Tlatilco site, ceramic and traces of pigment. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City. Photo: © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
The Ancient Site of Tlatilco
Nestled near a sprawling lake, the people of Tlatilco thrived on agriculture and the abundant resources of their lakeside environment. Figurines reflect a sophisticated artistic tradition far ahead of its time. The subject of the figurines includes the natural world, such as fish, birds, and other animals, as well as figurines of people, especially women and even twins. Crafted with meticulous care, these figurines boast wide hips, elaborate hairstyles, and in some rare cases, double-faced enigmas, hinting at symbolic meanings lost to time. Tlatilco creations were meticulously handmade without molds, showcasing the exceptional skill and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The Tlatilco fish figurine is a standout object, revealing the deep connection between the ancient villagers and their aquatic surroundings.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction to a fish figurine from ancient Mexico
0:32 A container for water/liquid
0:41 Discovery in a burial at Tlatilco
0:58 Meaning of Tlatilco and Tlatilco cultural site
1:35 Why focus on aquatic birds and fish and other animals?
2:10 Tlatilco figurines of people
2:17 How to shape the figurines in clay
2:50 Discovery in a burial
3:32 Wrapping up and ongoing mysteries
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