Among the diverse modalities of the Tuxcacuesco-Ortices style it is common for women to wear a maxtlatl and a garment similar to an apron, as in the case of the sculptures before us. The main features shown by this pair of works in a single variant is the realistic appearance of the incised eyes which, according to these , Carolyn Baus justifiably calls sub-type Vb.
Unlike the majority of the human images pertaining to the art of the shaft tomb culture, the size of the head is not remarkable. The proportions of the body hold a certain relationship with actual human physiology. The features of both are delicate, with nostrils and, in the tallest one, individually marked teeth. The bulging breasts, narrow waist and wide hips fully identify them as women. Although one has lost a fragment, the other allows its position to be completed; the arms bent in a right angle and one hand placed over the other at the height of the abdomen.
One covers her head with a hat with highlighted edges and wears large disk-shaped earrings. In comparison, the other has a short hat, and her straight and abundant hair stands out on the sides of her face, marked with linear incisions, which reach the height of the neck. Behind, there is a longer central lock of hair. They wear necklaces, one of which is incomplete, but two large fang-shaped pendants are noted, similar to the singular pendant of the other piece. Their identification is uncertain, while it is an ornament that also appears in larger hollow sculptures, particularly in the Comala style from Comala, it is found among those that share male and female shapes. It was surely an attribute of elevated status.
The fine incision work is very interesting as it denotes distinct elements: not only facial features and clothing, but its decoration, as well as tattoos of body paint. Thus, we see bracelets in the form of smooth bands and the rectangular apron with groups of short straight lines running off in several directions suggesting weaving or embroidery. The apron partially covers the maxtlatl and appears to tie it at the waist. Incisions on the maxtlatl mark creases in the cloth which continue around the back. The naked buttocks are seen on the side. At the front, the sides of the hips and upper part of the legs are decorated with a rhomboid pattern. Each triangle or rhombus reveals motives of abstract appearance. The lower edge is defined with bands. At first it seems to reflect short pants, but they do not continue around the back, which is why I think it relates to body paint or tattoos.
The taller woman also has white paint on her numerous hoop bracelets highlighted in pastillage. The two sculptures bear witness to the excellence of the artists of the shaft tomb culture. The technical dominance, richness of the details and creativity to turn each work into a singular internal expression from the multiple stylistic modalities observed in the shaft tomb territory. The images reflect idealized beauties. It is possible that they were also intended as portraits.
Among the diverse modalities of the Tuxcacuesco-Ortices style it is common for women to wear a maxtlatl and a garment similar to an apron, as in the case of the sculptures before us. The main features shown by this pair of works in a single variant is the realistic appearance of the incised eyes which, according to these , Carolyn Baus justifiably calls sub-type Vb.
