Hidalgo Amajac, Veracruz — A 2-meter female pre-Hispanic sculpture has been discovered in Veracruz, the first of its kind. This pre-Hispanic representation “allows us to confirm the active participation of women leaders in the Huasteca social and political structure,” said the Secretary of Culture, Alejandra Frausto.
A complete female sculpture of almost two meters was found January 1, 2021 by inhabitants of the community of Hidalgo Amajac, Veracruz. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) said the figure, which was located in a citrus field, is made of limestone and is in good condition.
Archaeologist María Eugenia Maldonado Vite said the piece represents a young elite woman, “possibly a ruler because of her posture and attire rather than a deity like they have interpreted in almost all female Huastec sculptures, which are linked to the goddess Tlazoltéotl.”
It is believed to be from the Late Postclassic (1450-1521 AD).
According to an INAH statement, experts from the Institute carried out an inspection at the site of the discovery on Monday, January 4, and confirmed not only that the piece is pre-Hispanic, but that it is also the first of its kind to be found in the Tuxpan River Basin.
