Lot 229
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. An impressive pottery sculpture of the old fire god, known as Huehueteotl or Ueueteotl, shown standing with arms bent at the elbows. Though mostly nude, the ancient god's slender body is elaborately adorned with a pair of bracelets, a slender headband, a necklace with a pendant of a bat-like head with curved horns, and an ornate loincloth bearing incised glyphs. His large head juts forward, displaying heavy-lidded eyes, a hook nose, a pointed moustache, and a sizeable mouth held open to expose 2 tab-shaped teeth and a protruding tongue. Incised lines across his forehead and cheeks are intended to represent folding wrinkles of flesh, indicative of his advanced age. A pair of lengthy ears flank his head, both pierced in order to suspend ornaments. Size: 7.5" W x 14.6" H (19 cm x 37.1 cm)
Though primarily attributed as a creation of the Teotihuacan peoples, the story of Huehueteotl predates this and most other Pre-Columbian cultures from ancient Central Mexico. The origins of Huehueteotl might be unknown, but the finely executed elegance of this pottery example is quite evident!
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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#169947
- Condition: Losses to verso of loincloth and feet. Professionally repaired with some areas of restoration. Proper right arm reattached with break line and adhesive visible. Resurfacing throughout. Light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits to surface and nice encrustations on interior.
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