Lot 96
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca Gray type, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fabulous, hand-built pottery figure of a bare-chested female in a kneeling position, exhibiting a protruding, pregnant belly, voluptuous breasts, and broad, square shoulders, all enveloped in a creamy beige slip. Supported by a thick neck, her ovoid head presents heavy-lidded eyes beneath a straight brow, a sharp nose, and a gently opened mouth, all surmounted by a short coiffure and flanked by a pair of heavily ornamented ears. Her petite arms extend outward from her sides, each featuring carefully delineated fingers and nailbeds, while her attenuated lower legs are folded beneath her. Size: 8.4" W x 11.8" H (21.3 cm x 30 cm)
Ancient West Mexico was home to a highly sophisticated culture that constructed earth mounds, ritual circles, and shaft tombs; most of what we know of them archaeologically comes from the figures like this one, that were buried in their shaft tombs. However, there are clear differences between the Jalisco and other traditions (Colima and Nayarit) of shaft tomb builders, and today we do not believe that they were a single unified culture, despite their shared architectural traditions. Jalisco pieces like this one are distinguished by seated positions for their female figures as well as their large size. These figures would have been positioned facing outward from the walls of graves, as if in conversation with the deceased.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#174950
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and possible repainting in areas. Light surface wear as shown with areas of fire-darkening. Otherwise, excellent presentation with great manganese blooms throughout.
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