Introduction Patagonia Andes Amazon Mesoamerica / Caribbean Southwest Plains / Plateau Woodlands California / Great Basin Northwest Coast Arctic / Subarctic Contemporary Art
Valdivia female figurines

Valdivia female figurines
ca. 3500 BC
Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador
Clay, paint
4 x 3 x 4 cm to 3 x 2 x 10.5 cm
James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache; purchased from Eugenia Rodriguez
24/8403, 24/8404, 24/8728, 24/8730

The ceramics of the Valdivia culture are the oldest known pottery in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to 3500 BC. Valdivia figurines appeared soon after the culture’s emergence. The context in which the majority of these figurines are found suggests that they were associated with agricultural rituals and calling for rain. Since many are female, the figurines are also thought to have represented fertility, production, and agricultural development. Several figurines were intentionally broken by being thrown against a hard surface, a ritual that may have formed part of a ceremony.

Each figurine was individually modeled from a single block of clay. While many were polished in their natural color, some were painted completely with red slip and some are dichromatic, displaying red and the natural color of the clay. Between four and twenty centimeters in height, the majority are shown standing. Very few figurines are in a sitting position, though some appear to be resting on the ground.

Valdivia figurines are characterized by their straight standing pose; pronounced breasts, shoulders, and neck; and a raised head with a small face. The eyes and mouth are represented by simple lines cut into the clay, and the nose by a simple mark across the face or as an appliqué. Despite their simplicity, the figurines have vivid facial expressions. The makers also took care to highlight details of each figurine’s hairstyle, their most distinguishing feature. The hair always appears to be flowing down the back of the figurines. Women in Valdivia culture may have kept their hair long as a status symbol or as part of their belief system. This Andean custom continues into the 21st century.

—Ramiro Matos (Quechua), National Museum of the American Indian

Back to Top
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 9 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8403

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 9 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8403

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 9 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8403

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8404

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8404

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. James Judge Collection, presented by Mrs. Alice K. Bache. 24/8404

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. Purchased from Eugenia Rodriguez. 24/8728

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. Purchased from Eugenia Rodriguez. 24/8728

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 2 x 10 x 3 cm. Purchased from Eugenia Rodriguez. 24/8728

+
Valdivia female figurine

Valdivia female figurine, ca. 3500 BC. Valdivia, Guayas Province, Ecuador. Clay, paint; 4 x 3 x 4 cm. Purchased from Eugenia Rodriguez. 24/8730

+
Back to Top