Pre-Columbian Veracruz “Smiling” Standing Figure Painted elements extend across the

Painted elements extend across the chest

cosmetic markings

and left foot have been reattached with visible break lines

Shaft Tomb TraditionProtoclassic to Early Classic Period

Attributed to the Classic Veracruz culture of Mexico’s Gulf Coast

Pre-Columbian Veracruz “Smiling” Standing Figure Painted elements extend across theVeracruz Smiling Standing Figure Classic Veracruz, ca. 600900 A. D. Height: 14 in. (35. 5 cm) Beautifully hand modeled in buff terracotta, this dynamic standing figure embodies the vitality and expressiveness characteristic of the Classic Veracruz sculptural tradition. With both arms raised and an exuberant open mouthed smile, the figure captures a moment of ritual performance or joyous invocation, evoking the spirit of the famous Sonrientes (Smiling