Although it operated as a brickyard well into the mid-twentieth century, Tlatilco lay atop hundreds of burials corresponding to the Formative Period (1500-300 BC). The ancient town edged along the banks of Lake Texcoco (now Mexico City) thrived as one of Mexico's earliest arts communities. Among the most fascinating artwork buried at Tlatilco were clay miniatures. A majority of the figures are female; a few are male or androgynous. Tlatilco figural convention favored outstretched, truncated arms and a diminutive waist supporting corpulent, fleshy thighs. Minimal detail was accorded appendages and facial features: arms and legs taper to nubs. Most figures are painted red or rubbed with cinnabar indicating their sacred quality. Each is a unique work.