Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast of Mexico, Vera Cruz, Remojadas, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A delightful and quite sizeable terracotta sonriente - a name that literally means "smiling face." A young standing boy with arms extended outward and upward at his sides, one hand open with the thumb held across the fingers, the other holding a small rattle, possibly a gourd. He smiles widely, exposing his teeth that clench his tongue, his face with almond shaped eyes and topped by a tall headdress featuring running "mat" glyphs. He also wears a short skirt featuring extensive step motifs in bas relief, a 'beaded' necklace with a prominent central pendant, and circular ear ornaments. Quite an impressive example! Size: 12.5" W x 17.75" H (31.8 cm x 45.1 cm); 18.125" H (46 cm) on included custom stand.
Sonrientes or "smiling faces" are the most famous pottery figures from this period in Veracruz (known as Remojadas for its keystone archaeological site). Like this one, they depict wide, smiling, childlike faces, often with teeth showing. Smiling faces are very rare in Mesoamerican art, but in Remojadas and the surrounding area, these Sonrientes were apparently popular, leading to a mystery for archaeologists. Some have suggested that the smiles are the result of consuming the alcoholic beverage pulque, or taking hallucinogenic drugs; others see them as representing performers.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection from 1966
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#159209
Condition
Professionally repaired from about 2 dozen pieces with restoration over the break lines, but this is very well done. Old collection label on back. Scattered deposits. Three vent holes on verso and two on headdress as shown.