Pair in terracota femenina - Culture Jukun

The number of Jukun terracottas curently known ascends to ten; of these only half are seated figures. But the excepcionality of these two pieces lies in the fact that it is the only set of a pair in terracotta found to date. Each one of the characters is seated on a spherical jug which in its central part presents a projecting piece on which in its central part presents a projecting piece on which their feet rest. The lower half would be buried, the two sculptures remaining totally outside. It is possible that this arrangement is linked to funeral rituals. The sexual features are clearly marked. The eyes are prominent as are the ears. The nose and mouth, with thick lips, are perforated. The hair is short and in ringlets. The women, who has lost some material from the back right hand side, holds both arms parallel to her body, resting her hands on her lips; on her right wrist she is wearing what appears to be a bracelet. The man is lifting his right arm towards his neck, gripping a necklace, while the left side has been lost. Clearly marked in both is the navel, which normally symbolises the union between mother and child. It also alludes to the relationship with the world of the unborn or the ancestors and is a symbol of fertility. If this is accepted, the Jukun couple could represent the ancestral parents from which the tribe is descended and would form a part of the rituals of the ancestor cult. It should be taken into account, hewever, that neither of the two theories regarding the posible symbolism of the sculptures and their function may be considered as conclusive at this time. The lack of data and of other similar pieces means that it is only possible to propose hypotheses.