Veracruz - Ancientart

The Veracruz culture flourished in a stretch of the Gulf of Mexico’s Atlantic coast. This region of lakes, rivers, and extensive wetlands experiences heavy rainfall, and the lush tropical forest that covers the land is inhabited by animals such as jaguars, tapirs, wild boar, and monkeys.

There is a definite relationship between the Veracruz culture and the ancient Teotihuacán, from which they inherited technical knowledge, aesthetic concepts, and artistic styles. The Veracruz people also were neighbors of the Zapotecs, who lived to the southwest, the Mayas to the southeast, and the Huastecs to the north, and there seems to have been intense trading among these groups. In later periods, local groups formed strong links with the Chichimecs and Nahuas peoples, and ultimately with the Spanish invaders.

Ceramics were one of this culture’s characteristic art forms. Notable pieces include human figurines with detailed, life-like faces showing broad smiles and a happy, calm posture. Their highly detailed clothing and unique faces, which are akin to portraits, reflect a high level of expertise. Other figures made by these groups include animals such as jaguars, frogs, bats, and mythical beings. Many articulated figures have also been found, representing animals or persons with wheels. Molds were often used for making ceramic vessels, but finishing touches were done by hand and included modeling and decoration with appliqué and pigments.