Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic Period, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A wonderful pottery vessel in the form of a figure, displayed seated with attenuated legs spread before him and arms raised as he drinks from a bowl held by both hands. Enveloped in a vibrant red slip, the ancient figure gazes forward from petite annular eyes beneath a gently arched brow. His stylized visage presents a narrow, curved nose and pointed chin, flanked by a pair of prominent ears with annular drill holes for suspending ornaments and capped with a brimmed hat that opens to the interior of the vessel at the top. Size: 8.5" W x 15.9" H (21.6 cm x 40.4 cm)

Clay figures like this one are the only remains that we have today of a sophisticated and unique culture in West Mexico - they made no above-ground monuments or sculptures, at least that we know of, which is in strong contrast to developments elsewhere in ancient Mesoamerica. Instead, their tombs were their lasting works of art: skeletons arrayed radially with their feet positioned inward, and clay offerings, like this one, placed alongside the walls facing inward, near the skulls. A large effigy like this one most likely would have flanked the entrance to a tomb in a way that archaeologists have interpreted as guarding. Some scholars have interpreted these dynamic sculptures of the living as a strong contrast to the skeletal remains whose space they shared, as if they mediated between the living and the dead.

Provenance: private Kelley collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2000

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#168494

Waist down is restored from new material. Repair and restoration to arms, neck, head, face, and headdress. Expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout, as well as some areas of fire-darkening. Otherwise, very nice with great pigment.