Anthropomorphic figure from the Jalisco culture, Western Mexico, ca. 200 B.C.-A.D. 200.
Terracotta.
Provenance: Private collection R.G., Lambertville, New Jersey, USA.
Publications: Sotheby's New York, Monday November 22, 1999, Lot. 134.
Attached thermoluminescence test.
In good condition. Restoration on one of the hands and on the neck.
Measures: 63.5 cm (height).
Statuette in round bulk made in terracotta, representing a figure that bends his arms upwards. The anatomical treatment is synthetic, with rounded and forceful volumes. In the body, the breasts stand out especially, decorated with polychrome concentric circles, which could indicate that it is a piece related to fertility. The face shows a greater detail, and in it the expressive treatment of the eyes and the half-open mouth (allowing to see her teeth) stand out, both incised in the material. Special mention should be made of the treatment of the headdress, the earrings and the hair that falls over her shoulders, perfectly individualized, giving the sculpture a completely realistic appearance.
In the region of Jalisco, human presence has been documented since approximately 15,000 years ago; arrowheads, human remains, deer antler scrapers, needles, awls, whistles and other objects have been found, prior to the foundation of the Kingdom of Xalisco by the Toltecs in 618 AD.