Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A nude female pottery figure, seated in a cross-legged pose with hands to her knees, gazing ahead as if in a trance-like state, with finely delineated eyes presenting bitumen painted black pupils and brows, a naturalistic looking nose, and full, slightly parted lips accounting for that tranquil expression. Though nude, this lady is elaborately adorned with a fanciful, looped headdress upon her black fringed coiffure, ear ornaments, a beaded necklace with a decorative face pendant, and scarifications on her shoulders and chest. Size: 5.625" W x 11.5" H (14.3 cm x 29.2 cm)

Although the term "coast watcher" is a modern one, archaeologists believe that these figures probably represent individuals, with their personalized ear plugs, necklaces, etc. For a similar type, see "Ceremonial Sculpture of Ancient Veracruz," Hillwood Art Center, Long Island University, 1987.

Provenance: private Dr. George Wald collection, Cambridge, MA, acquired in the 1960's. Dr. Wald was recipient of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the retina.

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#121735

  • Condition: Right arm and leg reattached. Head repaired. Losses to headdress and right ear ornament/flap.

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April 27, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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