Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. This is a really interesting piece of hand-molded pottery, showing a figure lying on a pallet/bed. The figure has notably grotesque features, with wide eyes and clenched teeth; it is strapped to the bed by thick ties that wrap around the entirety of its midsection and has its legs elevated. It wears large ear spools and there is a protective covering around its head. It seems very likely that this figure represents someone who has died, and is maybe being born to their grave; we know that death was close to people in ancient Veracruz, where human sacrifice and the ballgame formed the major artistic themes. Human remains may have been carried on pallets like these to display them. A piece like this hints at an unknown past world, opening up many opportunities for further research and imagination. Size: 5.75" L x 1.9" W x 2.7" H (14.6 cm x 4.8 cm x 6.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos collection acquired before 1975

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#115535

  • Condition: Repaired, but repairs are well done and not immediately noticeable.

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June 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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