Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. Very rare and quite exceptional Nayarit seated male in the Chinesco style; Lagunillas Type E, protoclassic. Shown seated with legs crossed, hands to knees, slight paunch showing this was an older gentleman and quite possibly a portrait form. Shown nearly nude with small red loin cloth, red tattooing on right shoulder, left biceps, neck and face, eyes closed as if in deep (possibly eternal) sleep or trance, bulges to each cheek and small hairy chin. His hair is combed back and falls in a long plait on his back. A lock of hair is pulled to the left side of his forehead. Eyes closed and mouth slightly open, the sides of his cheeks bear special scarification, and he wears nose jewelry. The characteristic signature "red hand" of this Lagunillas style is visible on his left cheek. Size: 5.5" W x 10.75" H (14 cm x 27.3 cm)
This "Chinesco" figure of the Lagunillas sub-style from the Nayarit region, is notable for the smooth burnished surface, painted ornamentation, and entranced expression.
Exhibited - The Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Life, Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Mexico, April 19 - November 3, 1991
Provenance: private Lewis collection, Florida, USA; ex Sotheby's, December 4, 2020, Lot 17; ex Estate of Patsy R. Taylor, acquired by 1971; ex Edward H. Merrin, New York, USA
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#162481
Condition
Intact and excellent with liberal surface deposits and minor manganese blooms. Small firing flaw on his head.