**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. An impressive ensemble of three hand-built pottery figures; a woman, a man, and a masked figure. First, the tallest of the three figures is the woman who stands on two long legs with her stubby arms hanging parallel to her body from her angular shoulders. Wearing only a loin cloth, the ancient female presents with a flat, lengthy body, wide hips, and pointed breasts. Her visage features an open mouth held in a gentle smile, a pinched nose, and a pair of coffee bean-shaped eyes, all flanked by four annular ear adornments and topped with a carefully-incised coiffure that wraps around her head. Positioned with both legs slightly bent, the mid-size figure is elaborately adorned with an intricate loin cloth, bracelets, arm bands, a shaman horn necklace, three bands at his waist, and an elongated coaxl (back flap), which indicates his royal status. His ovoid head displays slender eyes, a sizable nose, and a closed mouth beneath a headdress with two bands and a pair of ponytails cascading down his back. Size of largest: 2.875" W x 8.25" H (7.3 cm x 21 cm)

Last, the shortest of the figures is also male and stands with his hands on his hips, wearing only a mask exhibiting a duck bill beak and incised eyes, under a mop-like head of hair.

Provenance: ex-private collection of the late Father Bader, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Father Edward A. Bader collection, St. Thomas Art Gallery, Houston, Texas, USA, various exhibitions 1960s to 2000s

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#154454

Smallest figure repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines and perforation to neck and top of head. Mid-size figure has had proper left leg and left foot reattached, as well as right arm, nose, top of headdress, and coaxl restored from new material. Also missing left ear. Both arms of tallest figure have been reattached with break lines and adhesive visible and "LAS ANIMAS" written on back. All have areas of surface restoration and some resurfacing. Otherwise, all are excellent with lovely manganese deposits throughout.