Mexico, Jaina Island, ca. 500 CE - 700 CE. Mesoamerica's Jaina Island practiced one of the most renowned ancient figurine traditions. Jaina Island was a residential and funerary settlement adjacent to the coast of west-central Campeche. During the nineteenth century, its extensive burial grounds were discovered; however, archaeologists first excavated the region in the 1940s. They revealed figurines like this example in the arms of the deceased - elite members of society who had been dressed in their finest clothes and wrapped in cotton burial shrouds and palm-fiber mats. According to Mexico archaeologist Roman Piña Chan, the director of excavations at Jaina, these figurines had a very important function. They were created to ensure the deceased's social position in the afterlife. This figurine portrays young warrior. We see remnants of his combat regalia; note in particular the armbands and exaggerated glove-like guard/weapon attached to his left arm as well as the rosette adorning his left knee. His elite status is confirmed by his fancifully coiffed hair, large earspools, and the grand amulet suspended from his neck. Beyond this iconography, is the expert technique displayed in the delineation of the figure's facial features and proud form. Wonderful example! Custom stand. Figure itself measures 8-1/8"T x 3-1/8"W.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, acquired prior to 1970.

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Some repairs to limbs and losses as shown. Else intact and excellent.