Object Record
Images
Additional Images [1]
Metadata
Object ID |
2022.2.3 |
Object Name |
Figurine |
Other Name |
Figura |
Culture |
Purépecha |
Material |
Ceramic/Paint |
Description |
Double-tailed mermaid with light skin and dark hair on a devil figure. The mermaid wears a crown with three human faces on it and holds a yellow flower. She is wearing a matching red-and-white necklace and earrings. Two faces flank the devil figure on each side. The devil figure is on all fours with large tusks and two sets of horns. Its tongue is sticking out. White and blue platform. |
Dimensions |
H-46 W-27 D-31 cm |
Found |
North America; Mexico; Michoacan; Ocumicho |
Provenance |
Collected by photographer Michelle Vignes (1926 - 2012) from artists in Ocumicho around the 1970s and 1980s during her trips to photograph daily life in Mexican pueblos. Bequeathed to Tom Mogensen (1950 - 2020) upon her death in 2012. Donated to the Stanford University Archaeology Collections on February 18, 2022 by Mogensen's spouse, Ellen Deitch. |
Collector |
Vignes, Michelle |
Collection |
Anthropology; North America; Mexico |
Web Export Search |
Archlgy134 S2024 |
Exhibit Label Text |
Object label from "De La Tierra: Indigenous Ceramics from West Mexico Transcending Time and Space" (05/31/2024 - 04/15/2025): This figurine features a light-skinned, two-tailed mermaid resting upon a menacing, boar-like diablito. Despite their contrasting appearances, the two beings exist harmoniously. Mermaids are prominent local figures: in one Purépecha myth, the creation of Lake Zirahuén in Michoacán is attributed to a mermaid's overflowing tears. Ceramic depictions of the diablito were pioneered by Ocumicho creator Marcelino Vicente in the 1960s. Following its immediate success in the tourist market, the diablito became a popular motif among creators. Colorful traits such as this figurine's numerous disembodied heads and vibrant, yellow flower draw intrigue from potential customers. |