The prehistoric *Tlatilco female figurine* (c. 1200–900 B.C.E.) from central Mexico is characterized by its bifurcated (double-faced) head and stylized body. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the medium of this work and the primary interpretation of its significance?
- It was hand-modeled from clay, and scholars suggest the double face represents concepts of duality and life-death cycles.Answer
- BIt was carved from volcanic tuff, and scholars assert it was a ritual tool used by a shaman to perform hunting magic for the community.
- CIt was shaped from greywacke, and archaeologists determined its age by using relative dating of local metal tools found in the same stratigraphic layer.
- DIt was constructed using mortise-and-tenon jointing, indicating it served as a structural model for large Neolithic monuments.
Answer
It was hand-modeled from clay, and scholars suggest the double face represents concepts of duality and life-death cycles.
The correct answer identifies that the Tlatilco female figurine was hand-modeled from clay and that its double face symbolizes concepts of duality. The small clay figures found in burials at Tlatilco, Mexico, were hand-shaped, depicting stylized female forms with detail added by incising or pinching. The double faces are widely understood to represent duality and life-death cycles.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying the medium, technique, and contextual interpretation of prehistoric sculptures from the AP Art History 250 image set.
Estimated Time:45s