Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec, ca. 1300 to 1521 CE. How exciting! A rare and exemplary terracotta plaque of a warrior in high relief with his limbs and surroundings in bas relief. Holding a staff in one hand and a shield in another, the ancient figure is dressed in sandals and a long robe or skirt beneath triangular armor known as ichcahuipili, which covers him from the shoulder down to his hips and features a central circle with 2 dots and a broad breast plate with projecting adornments. An elaborate helmet of 4 extending rays, each with a target motif, and an elongated coil at the center sits atop his head. His naturalistic visage features narrowed eyes, a prominent nose, and full lips held open, as though letting out a war cry, all flanked by a pair of huge, annular earspools. Held in his right hand, his war staff displays a slitted head and a top knob, while his shield, or chimalli, is adorned with a central circle, 4 target motifs on its top periphery, and a trapezoidal ornament extending from the bottom. A sizeable, plumed pamitl, or identifying banner, surrounds him, exhibiting a pair of circular ornaments on either side of his head. The lower left corner is additionally decorated by 3 more target motifs in bas-relief. Size: 12.5" W x 14" H (31.8 cm x 35.6 cm); 16.125" H (41 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-Art Blackburn Gallery; ex-Scott and Sterling Gentling collection, Dallas, Texas, USA before 2000

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#163889

TL drill holes on verso of upper left corner and proper left side of head. Upper right corner repaired from at least 6 pieces with restoration over break lines. Restoration to nose, lips, proper left earspool, and headdress. Char mark to upper left. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits and encrustations.