Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Middle Cauca Region, Caldas Complex, ca. 1000 to 1400 CE. This is a charming flat pottery figure with tubular arms and legs. He is seated with one arm raised and one to his knee, with obvious genitalia and finely rendered feet and toes. The face is a delight, upturned with slits for eyes and mouth and a prominent, bulbous nose with open nostrils. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.85" W x 3.95" H (7.2 cm x 10 cm)

Given the Quimbaya penchant for large gold ornaments, at one time this piece may have had gold through his nose and the various piercings found throughout his body, at the top of his head and above his feet. Figures like this one were placed with burials in shaft and chamber tombs, perhaps as guardians or companions for the deceased. Compare this figure to the one held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Provenance: Ex-Private New York Collection, ex southwest collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#119539

Intact, with rough surface.