An Olmec Seated Figure Las Bocas sub-style, Mexico, c. 1200-900 BC Solid earthenware with burnished beige slip, traces of red pigment on the lips, ears and toes. Seated, the torso leaning slightly forward with legs straight out, arms also held straight down with left hand to calf, right to ground beside knee. Female breasts. The head turned slightly to the right with classic Olmec facial features. In good condition; repaired break at neck, midway down right arm and at right wrist, restoration over the break lines. Scattered black manganese deposits. Note: This and the adjacent lot were part of a small number of relatively large figurines that represent both men and women in relaxed, naturalistic poses. Some were found over a half century ago at the site of Las Bocas, Puebla, thus the naming of the style. Neutron activation testing of the clay body has confirmed that these were actually made by Olmec artists in San Lorenzo, Veracruz, and subsequently traded throughout the Olmec regions. Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 1995 Merrin Gallery, New York, NY A Private Collection, Spain Height: 5 ¾ inches HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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