Fine Colima Redware Seated Ball Player, ex-A. Davis

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Clearance Sale - Ancient / Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Aug 16, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-08-16 10:00:00 2018-08-16 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Clearance Sale - Ancient / Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/clearance-sale---ancient-ethnographic-art-3368
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• Lot Description
  **Originally Listed At $2000**
  
  Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. One of the finest Colima ball player figures we have ever come across, a well-executed redware seated ceremonial ball player wearing an elegant cross-banded headdress, incised round earspools pierced for the suspension of ornaments, applied shoulder pellets, and a grand incised striated collar to which a chest protector/garment is attached. Presenting an intricate pose, he sits with his head in profile dramatically facing left, his legs extended outward with feet touching one another heal to heal, his right hand placed upon his right knee, and his left arm extending upward fitted with a 'glove' that is open at each end. Adornments such as his ear flares, shoulder pellets, and collar indicate status and are significant links to our understanding of the ritualistic importance of the ballgame. According to scholars, the incised, striated pattern on his collar may indicate his religion, political allegiance, or lineage. The Mesoamerican ballgame players were typically warriors or noble individuals who were well trained and highly revered - and judging by the proud countenance projecting from his finely delineated visage comprised of coffee-bean shaped eyes, a straight nose, and closed mouth expression of confidence, this gent is not exception. A superb example boasting an impressive form, strong iconographic features, and a sophisticated technique - replete with wonderful manganese blooms and burnishing marks. Size: 7.5" L x 9" W x 11.25" H (19 cm x 22.9 cm x 28.6 cm)
  
  The Pre-Columbian ballgame originated in the first millennium BCE, most likely in the Valley of Mexico, and was regarded as not merely an athletic activity but rather as a ceremonial means of controlling or predicting the future. The ancients of Mesoamerica played ballgames in a sacred ballcourt space. Some cultures expected players to dedicate themselves to practicing the game and preparing for matches; however, other cultures forced war captives to play the game and sacrificed the losing team. Another custom involved using the possessions of onlookers as prizes for the victorious team.
  
  Provenance: Ex-Alan Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM
  
  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.
  
  #116997

  Condition

  Left arm reattached, else intact and excellent. Lovely manganese blooms and burnishing marks across the surface.
• Shipping Info

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