Anthropomorphic Clay Figurine
Not a biological species; identified as a Pre-Columbian style ceramic votive or fertility figure. • None (Archaeological Artifact/Pseudo-fossil)
Geological Period
Holocene (Anthropocene)
Estimated Age
Approx. 0.0005 - 0.003 million years (500 - 3,000 years)
Preservation Type
Fired Ceramic (Technological preservation, not biological/geological)
Condition Assessment
Good; figure is largely complete with minor surface abrasions and typical weathering for buried ceramics.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Animalia, Class: Mammalia, Order: Primates, Family: Hominidae, Genus: Homo, Species: Homo sapiens (Creator)
Morphological Description
Hand-modeled clay figure with crossed arms, stylized facial features (coffee-bean eyes), a prominent turban or headdress, and exaggerated lower body features typical of fertility icons. Surface shows uneven firing and soot/manganese staining.
Rock Matrix
N/A (Terra cotta/Clay body with incidental surface soil/encrustation)
Formation & Location
Commonly associated with West Mexican shaft tomb cultures (Colima, Jalisco, or Nayarit) or Tlatilco cultures of the Valley of Mexico.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 12-15 cm in length; typical for personal votive household offerings.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $800 USD (Subject to provenance/authentication)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common to Uncommon (Authentic period pieces are uncommon; modern replicas are very common)
Scientific Significance
Significant for archaeology and anthropology rather than paleontology; provides insight into ancient artistic traditions, social hierarchy, and religious practices of early agrarian societies.
Preparation Recommendations
Non-invasive stabilization; avoid water if the clay is low-fired; maintain stable humidity/temperature; store in acid-free environment.
Notable Features
Features specific 'coffee-bean' eye stylization and crossed-arm posture; manganese/dendritic spotting on the surface suggests period-correct burial environment.