Lot 105
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An impressive pottery figure of a nude female depicted standing with each hand placed on her voluptuous breasts as she gazes forth from a characteristically Jalisco visage. Crowned by a headband and crest, her elongated head features slit-form eyes, a pointed nose, and a slender mouth in a gentle smile. A thick collar necklace sits above her shoulders, which are adorned by stippling. Note the liberal remains of hypnotic circling patterns that grant the figure a mesmerizing presentation. Size: 5.7" W x 9.4" H (14.5 cm x 23.9 cm)
West Mexican shaft tomb figures like this example derive their names from the central architectural feature that we know of from this culture. Jalisco, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was part of the shaft tomb culture during this time, along with neighbors in nearby Colima and Nayarit. These people would build generally rectangular vertical or near-vertical shafts down from the ground level - usually about 3 to 20 meters deep - through tepetate, the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region, to narrow horizontal tunnels that led to one or more vaulted or rounded burial chambers.
These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and seem to have been used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. Figures like this one were placed into the tombs; researchers believe that they were placed around the edges facing inward, as if in conversation with the dead. Grouped with other figures, and alongside clay bowls, and boxes, figures like this one were positioned around the body (or bodies), near the skull.
Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995
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#180084
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines, all done very well and difficult to notice. Small chip to proper left ear, as well as light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments and manganese deposits throughout.
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