Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, San Sebastian, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A splendid and quite sizable pottery figure of a warrior standing at the ready as he wields a mace with a discoid, spiked head. Hand-painted with white geometric motifs, the figure is elaborately adorned in a conical headdress, layered ear ornaments, a huge septum ring, a collar necklace, and a dangling loincloth. Figures like this were placed in tombs; his ready-for-battle stance intended to scare away potential intruders who may disturb the deceased! Size: 6.6" L x 9.5" W x 17.25" H (16.8 cm x 24.1 cm x 43.8 cm)

Elite individuals of the Nayarit culture were buried in shaft tombs consisting of a large chamber at the bottom of a deep pit. These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and seem to have been used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. These shaft tombs were typically furnished with precious grave goods including ceramic vessels and sculptures like this statue of warrior, with the intention of protecting the deceased.

Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2005.255.2.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-private Estate collection, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, acquired 1960 to 2024

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#185632

Professionally repaired with break lines visible in some areas and restoration and repainting over others. Some abrasions to surface as shown, and modern black pigment applied in some areas, but otherwise very nice presentation with good remaining pigments and nice manganese and earthen deposits.