Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A rare and interesting pottery figure that depicts a captive prisoner seated with bent legs and arms behind his back, all decorated with areas of red pigment. The figure's limbs are bound with thick ropes that wrap around his wrists, neck, knees, and ankles as he is forced to lean forward with his neck craned uncomfortably. His strained countenance features coffee bean-shaped eyes, a conical nose, parted lips, and a conical horn emanating from his brow that suggests he is a shaman, perhaps from a rival tribe. A petite whistle mouthpiece just behind his head creates a high-pitched sound when air is blown in through the top. Size: 2.375" W x 3.375" H (6 cm x 8.6 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Southern California, USA collection, since the 1960s
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#168972
Condition
Minor abrasions and small nicks to head, limbs, base, and bindings, with fading to pigment in some areas, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to figural form and pigment in most areas. Whistle still makes a pleasing, high-pitched sound when blown.