The state of Nayarit is located in western Mexico along the Pacific Ocean and is separated from central Mexico by volcanic mountains. While today the lakes are almost dry, 2,000 to 5,000 years ago there was enough water to sustain deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds, and Western Mexicans were probably farmers.

Separated from the rest of the country by high mountains, the village people of ancient western Mexico maintained a way of life for centuries. In other parts of Mexico, powerful rulers, deities and priests were considered the most important people in society. Gigantic temples and pyramids were built in their honor. But in western Mexico the people lived simply and cooperatively. They believed in a spirit world that could be contacted through a shaman.

Archaeologists believe the many clay objects and figurines discovered in deep vertical shaft tombs cut into soft volcanic rock may have been created as "furnishings" for the afterlife. The Nayarit people wanted to make it as comfortable for the dead as it was for the living by furnishing the tombs with familiar, everyday objects. Western Mexican clay sculptures are more realistic than other Mexican art forms created at that time. They generally depict men and women at work, at home, and socializing. These sculptures feature plump dogs and crouching cats and people of all ages sitting and standing, playing musical instruments or ball games. Often, whole families and villages are portrayed grinding corn, tending children, eating meals, or carrying jars and heavy loads.

Griffin Gallery specializes in museum quality Ancient Art. Our holdings include over five hundred authentic artifacts and reflect a spectrum of the cultures of Antiquity. Among our treasures are pieces from Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Far East, the Near East, the Holy Land, Pre-Columbian cultures, and pre historic Native America.