The cihuateteo (plural for Cihuateotl, 'Woman Goddess') were women who died while giving birth and thus acquired rank of goddesses, since it was considered that their death equaled that of warriors in the battlefield. The latter guarded and protected the Sun from dawn to midday, when they delivered it to the cihuateteo, who were in charge of it until sunset.
The goddess of the Earth (Cihuacoatl) was patron of the cihuateteo, and that is why they were represented with claws in their feet and hands, with curly hair and gaunt mouth (not perceivable in this case).

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.