Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A hand-built Colima redware of the early Tico typology depicting an ornate flat figure, sometimes referred to as a 'gingerbread' form with a characteristic elongated head, minimalist facial features, a protruded nose, and arms outstretched at the sides. This example is nicely adorned with an applied headdress, a multistrand pectoral with 'feather' ornaments, armbands, and a double-wrapped belt. Also mentionable are its pierced ears which originally held feathers or other ornamentation. The stone burnished surface is in great condition with softened design elements executed in a dark-colored paint. Size: 6.5" L x 1.35" W x 9" H (16.5 cm x 3.4 cm x 22.9 cm)
An excellent example from the West Mexican shaft tomb tradition. Ceramic figurines such as this are among the most expressive and dramatic created in Mesoamerica. According to scholars of this tradition, such ceramic figures were the primary outlet for artistic expression for the shaft tomb cultures and there is little record of monumental architecture, stelae, or public art associated with these cultures.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; ex-Doug Dawson Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ex-B.C. Holland Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, before 1994
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#164378
Condition
Partial loss to one foot. Nice earthen deposits scattered throughout. Original design element has softened but still visible in many areas as shown. Left tab to upper headdress has been restored. Back harness attached for use of stand or suspension. Otherwise, excellent condition.