Lot 59
**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, San Juanito Style, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A large, seated pottery figure of indeterminate sex, with spindly limbs. The figure sits with knees drawn up and arms resting upon them, head leaning slightly forward, in a posture that suggests waiting or watching. The figure has and a long, thin nose above a pouty mouth; its main ornaments are large, dangling earrings and a simple headband. Earthy red paint colors the figure from the waist down. Size: 6.7" L x 6.2" W x 9.45" H (17 cm x 15.7 cm x 24 cm)
West Mexican shaft tomb figures like this one derive their names from the central architectural feature that we know of from this culture. These people built rectangular vertical shafts from the ground level down to narrow horizontal tunnels that led to one or more vaulted or rounded burial chambers. Although the dimensions of the chambers vary considerably - some only large enough to hold a single burial and its offerings, others seem designed to hold entire lineages - the placement of burial goods like this hollow figure was very similar. Grouped with other hollow figures, and alongside clay bowls, and other personal items, they were positioned around the body (or bodies), near the skull. Unfortunately, we lack the information we need to understand what these figures were made for - Do they represent everyday people, even individuals? Are they religious? Were they created to mediate between the living and the dead? Whatever their purpose, today they are beautiful artwork and reminders of the mysterious past.
Provenance: Ex-Harvey Collection, acquired prior to 1972
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#120193
- Condition: Head, arms, and legs have been repaired.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $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 |