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This item is a Cargador Figure of Standing Female from Jalisco, Mexico, dated to the Proto-classic period, approximately 100-300 A.D. The sculpture is a hollow-modeled terracotta figure, standing at 12 3/4 inches in height. It is red-slipped, with traces of white paint visible on the skirt and body, particularly on the legs and arms, indicating it was once brightly painted. The figure carries a pot on its shoulders, and it exhibits the characteristic flattened head, which is a notable feature in Jalisco ceramics from this time period. The piece remains in good condition for its age, which adds to its significance.

Jalisco figures such as this one are representative of the Western Mexico Shaft Tomb tradition, characterized by their lifelike portrayal of human figures. The region’s sculptors are known for their expressive terracotta figures, often portraying individuals engaged in everyday activities, such as carrying pots or playing musical instruments. These sculptures were commonly placed in tombs as funerary offerings, possibly to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, serving a ritualistic or symbolic function.

The craftsmanship and condition of the piece, including its provenance, are key factors when evaluating its market value. Given its origin, the figure aligns with the stylistic features of the Western Mexico Shaft Tomb culture, which is noted for its unique funerary practices and terra-cotta figures. The flattened head and bold modeling of the figure suggest a possible connection to ancestor veneration, which was prevalent in Mesoamerican societies.