Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, Comala style, ca. 200 - 200 CE. A noble ceramic representation of the humblest member of Pre-Columbian societies, the cargador / cargadora or burden bearer who carries wares on his or her back.  The worker has always been upheld as an honorable contributor in Pre-Columbian societies, so much so that by the early 20th century, so-called peons would be romanticized by Mexican Modernists who introduced the concept of indigenismo, a philosophy that honored the native cultures of their land.  Chief among them was Diego Rivera whose infamous painting The Flower Carrier (1935, SFMOMA collection), a work that is essentially a tribute to not only the flower carrier but all cargadores, is a cherished emblem of indigenous culture.  In this spirit, this redware ceramic work depicts a female cargadora carrying a pottery vessel on her back.  She holds her hands up to the strap across her head which supports the container.  Characteristic of West Mexican visual culture, the artist created an abstract vision of the human body.  Note how substantive this woman's legs, hips and feet are; these parts of the body are emphasized by the sculptor in order to signify her fecundity as a female as well as the physical strength that is so critical to her lot in life. In addition her facial features demonstrate a sense of calmness and a venerable noble quality. Size:  10-1/4" tall. Provenance: Ex-private Ramon Kelly Collection, Denver, CO. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #100298

  • Notes: 1.0
  • Condition: Restoration to underside of left arm.  Otherwise very good condition with nice patina and manganese deposits.

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February 13, 2015 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000