Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Ameca-Etzatlan style, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A marvelous pottery figure of a female, hand-built to be shown sitting cross-legged with both hands on her knees. Enveloped in a creamy beige slip, the colossal female displays a thick mid-section, square shoulders, and a wide neck that supports her elongated head. A centrally parted coiffure caps her expressive visage which features huge, generously lidded eyes, a sizeable, pinched nose, thin lips held in a subtle grin, and a pointed chin. Lengthy ears flank her stylized face, each fit with a pair of petite hoop earrings. Size: 12" W x 16.1" H (30.5 cm x 40.9 cm)
West Mexican shaft tomb figures like this example derive their names from the central architectural feature that we know of from this culture. Jalisco, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was part of the shaft tomb culture during this time, along with neighbors in nearby Colima and Nayarit. These people would build generally rectangular vertical or near-vertical shafts down from the ground level - usually about 3 to 20 meters deep - through tepetate, the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region, to narrow horizontal tunnels that led to one or more vaulted or rounded burial chambers.
These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and seem to have been used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. Figures like this one were placed into the tombs; researchers believe that they were placed around the edges facing inward, as if in conversation with the dead. Grouped with other figures, and alongside clay bowls, and boxes, figures like this one were positioned around the body (or bodies), near the skull.
Unfortunately, we lack the necessary information to fully understand what these figures were made for - Did they represent everyday people, even individuals? Were they religious? Were they created to mediate between the living and the dead? Whatever their purpose, today they are beautiful artwork and reminders of the mysterious past.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated.
Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection; ex-Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, November 15, 2013, "American Indian & Pre-Columbian Art Signature Auction" Auction 5161, lot #50402
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#170006
Condition
Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Restoration to lower right leg, right foot, right arm, left elbow, left upper forearm, left thigh, left posterior, small areas of torso and center of back, and top of head. Losses to toes of right foot, bridge of nose, lobe of left ear, and top of right ear. Some expected nicks and abrasions to areas. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments and details. TL holes to back of right ear and under left leg.