**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit culture, Chinesco, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An endearing pottery figure of a seated nude female holding a child on her lap. The ancient figure displays wide hips and a triangular head with stylized features as she gazes forward and embraces the child with both of her slender arms. Facing sideways in relation to his mother, the child extends his thick legs before him and sits upright. A tender moment that demonstrates the timelessness of maternal affection! Size: 2.4" W x 4.2" H (6.1 cm x 10.7 cm)
This style of sculpture is known as Chinesco by collectors because of its stylistic similarities to Chinese art. Clay figures like this one are the only remains that we have today of a sophisticated and unique culture in West Mexico -- they made no above-ground monuments or sculptures, at least that we know of, which is in strong contrast to developments elsewhere in ancient Mesoamerica. Instead, their tombs were their lasting works of art: skeletons arrayed radially with their feet positioned inward, and clay offerings, like this one, placed alongside the walls facing inward, near the skulls. Some scholars have connected these dynamic sculptures of the living as a strong contrast to the skeletal remains whose space they shared, as if they mediated between the living and the dead.
Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection; ex-estate sale, Connecticut, USA, collected 1960 to 1980
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#168790
Condition
Professionally repaired with some break lines visible, as well as some expected surface wear and softening of detail. Otherwise, very nice presentation with rich earthen encrustations. Some mineral deposits in areas.