Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE. Rather large Colima pottery early (Tico) types of flat figures, sometimes called 'gingerbread' figures are abstract in form with a pointy head and large nose. The ears are pierced. The holes are thought to have originally held feathers or other perishables, now lost to time. With characteristically elongated head and hands held to sides. Nicely adorned with appliqued ornaments, wearing large headdress and detailed pectoral - minimized facial features except for protruding nose and incised mouth. An excellent example from the West Mexican shaft tomb tradition. Ceramic figurines such as this are among the most expressive and dramatic created in Mesoamerica. According to scholars of this tradition, such ceramic figures were the primary outlet for artistic expression for the shaft tomb cultures and there is little record of monumental architecture, stelae, or public art associated with these cultures. Nicely burnished surface with some mineral deposits. Size: 10"H (25.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Houston, TX collection acquired at auction or local gallery between 1982 and 1994.

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#108246

Loss to tip of headdress and left foot as shown. Overall very good condition.