Description:

Pre-Columbian, Veracruz, ca. 100 BCE to 800 CE. This is a buff clay pottery standing smiling-faced figure in an animated posture with both hands extended. He is adorned with a triangular headdress, ear clips on his large ears, and pectoral collar. He has wide almond eyes and wide smiling face grin. Smiling faces are very rare in Mesoamerican art, but in Remojadas and the surrounding area, there are thousands of these Sonrientes figures, 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: 10.5" H (26.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Old Philadelphia collection, Arthur Englander.

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#116208

  • Condition: Flute blow holes behind and overall remains of white pigment.

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August 3, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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