Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Pihuamo, ca. 200 BCE to 300 CE. An enticing pottery figural vessel in the form of a seated male wearing a high-crested helmet and incised with a series of geometric patterns. His raised right arm opens up at the hand to form the spout of the vessel, while his left hand rests on his knee. His big eyes with dilated pupils and petite mouth are indicative of psychedelic intoxication suggesting this figure may be a shaman. Size: 8.6" W x 13.4" H (21.8 cm x 34 cm)

Clay figures like this one are the only remains that we have today of a sophisticated and unique culture in West Mexico - they made no above-ground monuments or sculptures, at least that we know of, which is in strong contrast to developments elsewhere in ancient Mesoamerica. Instead, their tombs were their lasting works of art: skeletons arrayed radially with their feet positioned inward, and clay offerings, like this one, placed alongside the walls facing inward, near the skulls. A large effigy like this one most likely would have flanked the entrance to a tomb in a way that archaeologists have interpreted as guarding. Some scholars have interpreted these dynamic sculptures of the living as a strong contrast to the skeletal remains whose space they shared, as if they mediated between the living and the dead.

Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, USA, December 4th, 2006, lot 26; ex-Maclean collection

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#181373

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored; all done very well with break lines difficult to notice. Some light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent presentation with liberal remaining pigments and nice preservation of incised detail. Manganese blooms in areas.

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December 14, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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