Lot 64
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Chinesco type, Protoclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A splendid pottery figure of the distinctive Chinesco type posed confidently with arms akimbo and seated upon voluptuous, outstretched legs. Quite sizable in scale, the nude figure leans slightly forward, the enormous head displaying petite, heavy-lidded eyes, a prominent pointed nose with a septum ornament, an open mouth, and a tapered chin, all crowned by a broad headdress. Liberal remains of beige pigment indicate necklaces once adorned the neck. The figure's assertive stance may have served to frighten potential intruders who entered the tomb the figure once protected. Size: 12.4" W x 12.9" H (31.5 cm x 32.8 cm)
This style of sculpture is known as Chinesco by collectors because of its stylistic similarities to Chinese art. Clay figures like this one are the only remains that we have today of a sophisticated and unique culture in West Mexico -- they made no above-ground monuments or sculptures, at least that we know of, which is in strong contrast to developments elsewhere in ancient Mesoamerica. Instead, their tombs were their lasting works of art: skeletons arrayed radially with their feet positioned inward, and clay offerings, like this one, placed alongside the walls facing inward, near the skulls. A large effigy like this one would most likely have flanked the entrance to a tomb in a way that archaeologists have interpreted as guarding. Some scholars have connected these dynamic sculptures of the living as a strong contrast to the skeletal remains whose space they shared, as if they mediated between the living and the dead.
Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-Meza Family collection, Whittier, California, USA, from the 1940s
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#177746
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with some expected chips, nicks, and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments and rich manganese deposits throughout. Old collection number inscribed on underside of proper left leg.
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