Artemis Gallery LIVE
Lot 62b
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca style, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Nude aside from his grand cape and intricately crossed headbands and chin strap, this impressive male figure sits in a crouched position with both hands - fingers and nail beds finely delineated - placed upon his knees so that his back curves giving the impression that he is a hunchbacked gent. In the Pre-Columbian world, such a physiognomic deformity was understood to be a sign that this special individual was touched by the supernatural. His characteristically elongated head boasts large coffee bean shaped eyes, puffy perhaps coca filled cheeks, and a bulging form emerging from his mouth. This represents a "death bubble" or jade bead placed in the "boca" (mouth) of the deceased elite. The clay body is nicely burnished Ameca grey for the most part with red highlights upon the ridge of his equine nose as well as his left knee. There are also signs of black painted decoration upon the face, arms, and chest that read well with the assistance of a magnifying glass. A wondrous and large example, replete with rich iconography and fine artistry, from this shaft tomb culture of ancient West Mexico. Size: 8.5" L x 6.75" W x 11.75" H (21.6 cm x 17.1 cm x 29.8 cm) Provenance: Ex-Private Seattle, Wa collection acquired at auction Condition: Right foot shows signs of repair. Possible repair to back of neck. Otherwise in excellent condition with beautiful patina, impressive burnishing marks and manganese blooms. 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #111753
