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The name Xochipala has been attached to an
early style of figurines and pottery unearthed in
the modern Mexican state of Guerrero. Xochipala
figures are noteworthy not only for naturalism,
but also for their age. The Xochipala style dates
to the Early Formative period of Pre- Columbian
Mesoamerican history (around 1800- 200 B.C.),
making them among the earliest works of
figurative art in the region, contemporaneous
with the more celebrated Olmec culture of the
Gulf Coast. While certain scholars have tried to
trace links between the Olmec and Xochipala
styles, other scholars have ardently disagreed,
making it possible that any artistic similarities
may have derived from cross-cultural influences
and not direct relations. While the Olmecs may
have overshadowed the Xochipala culture in our
contemporary popular knowledge of
Mesoamerican history, Xochipala figures are
almost universally praised by scholars and
connoisseurs for their striking naturalistic
modeling and sensitive depictions.
This woman, with cinnabar-stained lips and
wearing a belt and headgear is a participant in
the ritual ballgame. That ceremonial sport,
played with a heavy rubber ball, required an
incredible amount of stamina and skill. It is easy
to believe, looking at this figure, that she plays
to win. She stands, athletic and trim, as if
shouting encouragement to her teammates at
the other end of the court.
- (PF.0453)
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