Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 200 BCE - 200 CE. Hunchback figures with their physical deformities were believed to be touched by the divine and endowed with magical powers. It is believed that they were revered as the bearers of good or bad luck. According to Spanish reports, hunchbacks were akin to the jesters, musicians, and/or dancers of medieval Europe. (Von Winning, 1968: p. 71) This standing redware terracotta figure vessel is a marvelous representation of a hunchback shaman. Beyond his prominent hunchback and compromised posture, he presents a somber expression with closed or closing, coffee bean shaped eyes, tightly pursed lips, a noble, hooked nose, and enlarged earlobes pierced for ornaments. Holding his large staff, he proudly stands in his awkwardly compromised position. He wears a crescent-shaped pectoral and strange chest/back protector/brace - flared spout on the top of his head. The surface of this piece is exceptional and near glass in its consistency and texture. Beautiful form and rich burnished finish. A marvelous example! 14-1/2"T x 8-1/2"W x 7"D

Ex-Fort Knox Artifacts, Scottsdale, AZ, ex-Ley Collection, CA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Staff repaired, chip to spout and chest guard, else choice!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000