House Model with Musicians

Exploring the Early Americas The Jay I. Kislak Collection

Pre-Contact America | Explorations and Encounters | Aftermath of the Encounter

Urban Landscapes | Ritual, Ceremonies, and Celebrations | Language and Context | Recording History | The Heavens and Time

House model
West Mexico. Nayarit. 200 BC–AD 300
Ceramic with traces of pre-fired paint
Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (1C)

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The form and style of this house model is unusual. A tall structure open on two sides is occupied by three figures. One holds a striped staff or stick and faces the back while the other two figures face the front, one holding a bowl and the other blowing into a gourd-like object. Below them sit three musicians who appear to sing while playing instruments. A vertical ladder with seven steps connects the porch with the upper floor.