Description:

Pre-Columbian, Nayarit culture, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A charming pottery figure of a seated dwarf crowned by a towering, conical hat as he holds an olla on his left shoulder and a club in his right hand. Sitting with legs bent inward, the figure gazes forward from incised eyes beneath a protruding brow. His square visage is comprised of a petite yet broad nose, a prominent underbite, and a pointed chin, all flanked by a pair of lavishly adorned ears. Note the artist's careful attention to detail as demonstrated in the hand-painted geometric decoration and clearly delineated fingers and toes. Dwarves were believed to have magical powers in many pre-Columbian cultures and are oftentimes associated with shamanism due to their elevated status within society. Ancient Mesoamericans did not perceive dwarfism as a physical abnormality but a divine gift which allowed dwarves to foresee and act upon the will of the gods. Size: 6.6" W x 13.5" H (16.8 cm x 34.3 cm)

Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, December 8th, 2004, lot 50; ex-Dr. and Mrs. Sam Sokolov collection

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#177699

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and loss to 2 fingers on right hand. Expected surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise excellent with great remaining pigments and rich earthen deposits throughout.

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July 7, 2023 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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