Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca Grey type, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A wonderful example of a warrior holding captive a prostrate prisoner, hollow-molded from pottery with distinctive light grey slip across the sculpture. The warrior stands tall upon stocky legs and wields a ceremonial celt while forcefully raising the head of the prisoner. To further belittle the captive individual the sculptor created a body with stunted legs similar in style to Jalisco canine effigies, though the lack of a tail indicates the prisoner is identifiably human. Gracing the warrior's stern countenance are ovoid eyes with puffy lids beneath a high-set coiffure, a prominent nose, and pursed lips that hint at the importance of the sacrificial ritual being performed. Size: 9.25" W x 11" H (23.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
For another example of a warrior with a captive prisoner, please see Kan, Michael, Clement Meighan, and H. B. Nicholson. "Sculpture of Ancient West Mexico: Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima | A Catalogue of the Proctor Stafford Collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art." University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, 1989, p. 113, fig. 76.
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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#155893
Condition
Repair and restoration to nose and one leg of smaller figure, with nearly invisible resurfacing and overpainting along break lines. Minor pitting and abrasions to both figures, with fading to original pigment and areas of fire-darkening along verso. Great manganese deposits throughout.