The artifact displayed are Valdivia female figurines. The Valdivia are originally from Ecuador. These figurines are the oldest figurative objects in the Americas, from around 3500 B.C., and they are said to be associated with agricultural rituals and calling for rain. Since many figurines are female, it is suggested that they are also associated with fertility. The most distinguishing feature of the figurines are the figures’ long hair. It indicates that females in the Valdivia culture may have kept their hair long as a status symbol or as part of their belief system.

The figurines show that women were thought of as symbols of fertility and prosperity in the native culture. Many fertility deities presided over childbirth and agriculture, two things that women had a huge role in. In Native American culture, women played an essential role because their softer, gentler voice were thought to be better able than men’s voices for calling the gods in everyday situations. Women were respected because agriculture was a huge part of their means to survival. They worked various jobs on the field throughout the year, from clearing fields, planting, to hoeing and harvesting. Also, Native Americans believed that the mind and spirit had a critical role in healing, and women’s voices were more healing and soothing, which is beneficial to those with illnesses.

Compared to women in American society, women in Native American society had more equality. Women played a significant role in the community, so they, too, held political, social, and economic power. Native Americans had their own thoughts and ideas on society but it was masked when they had to assimilate to American culture. It was through this when Native American women began to lose their authority in their own society.