Pre-Columbian, Jaina/Campeche Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 600 to 850 CE. A charming example of the molded pottery figures made on Jaina Island in the Yucatan. This hollow ceramic figure stands in a lifelike pose, depicted with classically Mayan features, including a prominent nose and large, sloping forehead. The figure wears a tall, rounded headdress that has been punctured in several places - perhaps to form this item into a musical instrument, as there are perforations on each arm that resemble holes to blow into for playing. The figure wears a large necklace and spool earrings. Aside from that he wears only a loincloth with a thick belt that has the remains of pale blue pigment. His hands are detailed and clasped at his chest, one hand holding the wrist of the other, the other hand raised as if in salute. Size: 1.5" W x 5.15" H (3.8 cm x 13.1 cm)

The figure has the remains of bright pigment: yellow, pinkish red, and pale blue. Jaina Island figures are noted for their lifelike faces and their immense detail. The clothing that this figure wears almost certainly copies the real clothing of a person in the Late Classic Maya period. These figures probably represent actual people and seem likely to have been produced in Campeche and brought to Jaina Island to be buried with the dead.

Provenance: private D. C. collection, California, USA; D. C. is an Emmy Award winning Hollywood writer and Executive Producer, collected before 2000; ex Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, USA, Dec 1999, lot 345

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#126483

Loss to front of one foot; otherwise in nice condition with some preserved pigment.