**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A charming pottery vessel in the form of a swallow mid-flight with wings widely spread and head lifted at attention. The bird's flared tail rises to the back, with the area behind it opening to the rim of the vessel. The composition of this handcrafted indigenous swallow is remarkably symmetrical. The bird alights to the sky in a gallant swoop; note the cohesive motion implied by its upward beak and wings. Liberal remains of lively feather-markings embellish the exterior as the animated visage features wide eyes and a curved beak. Recreate a vision of the landscape of these ancient indigenous peoples of West Mexico with this aviary gem! Size: 9.6" W x 5" H (24.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: private Charlotte, North Carolina, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York City, New York, USA, December 2, 2014, lot 35; ex-private California, USA collection; ex-Harold Wagner, California, USA

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#178431

Professionally repaired with some restoration and chipping along visible break lines. Small chip to tip of proper right wing, as well as expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent with nice manganese deposits and liberal remaining pigments. Old collection labels on underside of base.