Lot 83
Pre-Columbian, Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 10th to 6th century BCE. A dramatic ceramic seated Olmec baby, posed in a naturalistic manner with the left arm raised while the right arm is relaxed beside the torso. The child appears to be female with delineated genitalia, and has a characteristically fleshy body. The hands are nicely rendered with delineated nailbeds and a natural cupped gesture associated with infants. The head and face are most striking - with narrow, somewhat slanted eyes, a petite upturned nose, an open mouth with well-delineated lips, two front teeth, a pink tongue, and ears that are pierced through the lobes, suggesting that this baby once wore earrings. The forehead is broad and the head somewhat misshaped. Scholars have proposed that such misshaped heads are indicative of the artificial cranial deformation practiced by the Olmec peoples. Finally, the figure presents liberal remains of white and pink pigment highlighting mouth, hands, eyes, and genitalia. Size: 4.75" L x 7.375" W x 10" H (12.1 cm x 18.7 cm x 25.4 cm)
The Olmec are famous for their human depictions; as the first major civilization in this fertile area, their artwork inspired the civilizations that came after them to the point that we think some of them even revered Olmec artwork and kept it as heirlooms. Figures of this style are known as "Olmec babies", with plump bodies and chubby, pouty facial features. Infants are a recurring theme from Olmec art, and this one with its white-slipped body and lovely pink details is quite impressive.
Provenance: ex-Alfred Stendahl, owner of Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 1980
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#153823
- Condition: The figure is missing its legs and was repaired from multiple pieces with a few losses at the break lines as shown. Vent holes under arms and on bottom. TL holes on bottom and back of the left arm. The sculpture is not datable via TL testing, because there are certain types of clay that do not absorb radiation, and clay from the Olmec is notorious for this. Surface is graced with deposits as shown.
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