Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Chinesco, Protoclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A wonderful terracotta female figure in Chinesco style -representing some of the most desirable West Mexican pottery available! Nude save rows of armbands on her elbows and a collar necklace, the stylized female sits with hands on hips and bulbous thighs spread, exuding empowered confidence while also highlighting her feminine form and relation to fertility. Leaning forward, she displays a huge head with a serene and meditative countenance of coffee bean-shaped eyes, a pointed nose, and slightly parted lips. Trace remains of red and black pigment adorn her head and body, while incised striation embellish her coiffure. A strong example of Nayarit sculptural sophistication and Chinesco style! Size: 5" L x 9.4" W x 10.4" H (12.7 cm x 23.9 cm x 26.4 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.

Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired from David Stuart Galleries, Beverly Hills, California, USA in the 1990s

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#189586

    Condition:
  • Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Chipping to proper left foot, left armbands, underside of left thigh, and around opening at top of head. Age-expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, nice presentation with good remaining details, liberal remains of pigments, and earthen deposits throughout.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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