Description:

Pre-Columbian, Gulf coast of Mexico, Veracruz, Remojadas, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A large pottery effigy sonriente figure, a name that literally means "smiling face," in an animated posture, with both hands raised and elaborately dressed in an embroidered skirt, beaded necklace, earrings, and a large headdress with a bird spearing a fish on the front. Smiling faces are very rare in Mesoamerican art, but in Remojadas and the surrounding area, these Sonrientes were apparently popular, leading to a mystery for archaeologists. Some have suggested that the smiles are the result of consuming the alcoholic beverage pulque or taking hallucinogenic drugs; others see them as representing performers. Size: 14" W x 17" H (35.6 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: private San Clemente, California, USA collection; ex-California Gallery, before 2010

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#179512

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored from many pieces. Verso of waist and legs repaired with infill to break lines and areas of new material. Hand repaired with visible break lines and losses to fingers. Light mineral deposits on head.

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October 5, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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