Lot 93B
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca-Etzatlan style, Protoclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An exemplary bichrome standing female statue, depicted with a powerful physique emphasized by a forthright demeanor characteristic of anthropomorphic Ameca-Etzatlan figures. The highly-burnished body boasts a creamy burnt-orange slip, with naturalistic hands and feet displaying finely-modeled digits with individual nails. A coarse skirt covers most of her slightly-distended abdomen, and youthful breasts boast painted geometric designs - one displaying four sections in a spiral formation, the other bearing three all below rounded shoulders and a thick neck. Her happy countenance is comprised of outlined, wide-rimmed eyes, a prominent nose, cupped ears, an open mouth with two rows of stylized teeth, and a broad forehead displaying a simple headdress with conical appliques. This is a magnificent example replete with exquisite stylization and an expressive visage typical of Ameca-Etzatlan artistry! Size: 9.75" W x 14.75" H (24.8 cm x 37.5 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.
Unfortunately, we lack the necessary information to fully understand what these figures were made for - do they represent everyday people, even individuals? Are they religious? Were they created to mediate between the living and the dead? Whatever their purpose, today they are beautiful artwork and reminders of the mysterious past.
Provenance: private Pacific Palisades, California, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired in 1960s
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#131033
- Condition: Figure's right ear repaired with light resurfacing. Nose reattached with resurfacing and light overpainting. Expected age-commensurate surface wear, with small nicks and chips to arms, toes, skirt, nose, ears, and headdress. Some fading and fire-darkening to pigmentation, and one stable hairline fissure to backside of skirt, otherwise excellent. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, with nice mineral deposits and root marks throughout.
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