Description:

Pre-Columbian, Veracruz, ca. 100 BCE to 1000 CE. This is a terracotta "Sonriente" figure broken at the waist from the Veracruz region of Gulf Coast Mexico. Like many hollow pieces of pottery from this region, he functions as an ocarina, with a mouthpiece painted black and extending up one arm and a series of holes on his back to be played. Sonrientes, or "smiling faces", are the most famous pottery from this period in Veracruz (also known as Remojadas for its keystone archaeological site). Like this one, they depict wide, smiling, childlike faces, often with teeth showing. 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: 7" L x 4-1/2" W x 4" H (18 cm x 11-1/2 cm x 10 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private T. Jones collection, New York, NY

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#110635

  • Condition: The bottom of the figure has been broken off; the nose is missing; otherwise intact and with clear artwork.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 5, 2015 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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