Face of a deity. Jama Coaque Culture, Ecuador, 500 B.C. - 500 A.D.

Pre-Columbian deity face of the Jama Coaque culture. Ecuador, 500 B.C. - 500 A.D.
Terracotta sculpture.
Measurements: 4.5 x 5 cm.
The Jama-Coaque culture developed in the area of San Isidro and in the north of the province of Manabí, in Ecuador. In direct commercial relationship with other cultures of Central America and Mexico, its cultural and religious nucleus was in the ceremonial center of San Isidro, where one or more temples were built on a large pyramid, surrounded by a large village. The Jama-Coaque had in pottery its main artistic manifestation, developing a very ornate and markedly figurative style which has a strong Chorrera heritage. Their ceramic pieces are recognized for establishing as a visual document that clearly reflects the life in Jama-Coaque. Their human forms, zoomorphic and mixtures of human and animal forms and the details of costumes and ornamental expressions, reveal some aspects of the cult and daily life of the Jama-Coaque culture. Many of these figures wear very colorful attire, becoming an aboriginal fashion that stands out for its large headdresses, tunics that cover legs and arms, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, in addition to a very elaborate feather art. They also worked gold and other metals with a very delicate and artistic technique, an example of which can be seen in their earrings, necklaces and pectorals.