Lot 86A
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, San Sebastian Red type, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A hunchback bi-chrome red and cream mourner figure, sitting and leaning dramatically forward, resting his hanging head upon his folded arms with elbows supported by upraised knees. His expressive visage is comprised of wide-open eyes, a pronounced nose, and a wide open mouth, indicative of prayer, chanting, or singing in honor of the deceased. Though nude, his hunchback is covered with a mesmerizing grid of tattoos or body paint, each square either segmented into a pair of triangles or adorned with stylized geometrics. He is also adorned by a headband, elaborate ear ornaments, and a multistrand beaded necklace - this highly decorated state suggesting shamanic status. Size: 4.5" W x 6.5" H (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm)
In the Pre-Columbian world, hunchbacks were regarded as important figures as their deformities were interpreted as signs that these people were among the chosen few who were touched by the deities and could communicate with the celestial and ancestral realm. As a consequence they were oftentimes regarded as powerful, shamanic figures. A dramatic and meaningful example from this shaft-tomb culture of West Mexico in marvelous condition with so many finely painted details remaining.
Provenance: Ex- Collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, CA
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#121074
- Condition: Possible repair to right leg. Minor surface wear commensurate with age. Nice manganese deposits on surface.
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