It is likely that the events associated with the formation of the unique cultural identity of the Late Classic Period would take shape in places other than the coast, in the regions of Tlalixcoyan -the area where El Zapotal (Ignacio de la Llave) is found- and Tierra Blanca. Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that the origins of the Veracruz pottery tradition, which distinguish sites like Nopiloa, Dicha Tuerta and Apachital, have not been sufficiently clarified.
Although culturally akin to what has been called the Smiling Figurines, the large clay "sculpture" that characterizes the local pottery would seem to be a very localized artisanal phenomenon, apparently exclusive to this era. This does not mean that it only manifests itself in a handful of sites on the coastal plain, but it seems to take on particular relevance in the Papaloapan basin and specifically in the cities than were regarded as having greater relevance in ancient times.
The large pieces of terracotta were exhibited in the temples, occupying the place that was reserved for stone sculptures in other areas of Mesoamerica. Potters from the center of Veracruz knew how to make up for their deficiencies and developed techniques that allowed them to give shape to monumental works of clay that constitute clear signs of the ingenuity and artistic ability of such ancient peoples. They were usually produced separately in sections that were assembled once they were baked. It was common for them to be fitted together at the waist, such that the head and torso were modeled independently of the hips and legs.
Our piece corresponds to the head of a lavishly attired person whose privileged position in society is evidenced by the dental decoration that highlights the incisors by filing the other teeth down to where they begin. We can make out hair and a heavy hemispherical headdress over the forehead, organized like a "helmet" which is attached to the chin with the help of a braided cord. One of the two ear flaps is preserved, next to the face; the other one seems badly damaged.
There are also some fragments of different elements of the headdress that projected vertically behind the head but sadly they were unrecognizable upon arrival. The piece was subjected to very high temperatures, so much so as to be completely overheated. It is curious that we find it in these conditions since when due to being improperly baked the affectations would only be partial. Excessive exposure to fire, perhaps the result of having been in a burning building, has made them particularly fragile. Perhaps because of this it was given a coat of varnish after its arrival at the Amparo Museum in order to stabilize the surface.
It is likely that the events associated with the formation of the unique cultural identity of the Late Classic Period would take shape in places other than the coast, in the regions of Tlalixcoyan -the area where El Zapotal (Ignacio de la Llave) is found- and Tierra Blanca. Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that the origins of the Veracruz pottery tradition, which distinguish sites like Nopiloa, Dicha Tuerta and Apachital, have not been sufficiently clarified.
