Lot 25

Two Colima Pottery Figures & One Figural Rattle

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 25
image_0 image_1
Two Colima Pottery Figures & One Figural Rattle
Two Colima Pottery Figures & One Figural Rattle
image_0 image_1

Two Colima Pottery Figures & One Figural Rattle

Estimate: $450 - $675

Starting Bid: $175

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 7, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A compelling group of three Colima pottery figures showcases the expressive range of West Mexican ceramic sculpture. The largest example stands upright in a frontal pose, arms held straight at his sides and legs slightly apart. He wears a clearly defined loincloth secured at the waist, and his features are framed by a tall headdress and ear ornaments. The smooth buff surface and restrained modeling emphasize solidity and presence rather than overt movement. To the right, a redware figure is shown strapped to a bed or pallet, arms bound at her sides and legs bent at the knees. The rectangular support beneath her forms an integral part of the composition, suggesting a narrative or ritual context. The figure's posture and the visible bindings create a striking contrast to the calm stance of the standing male. Size of largest: 3.7" W x 6.9" H (9.4 cm x 17.5 cm)

The grayware seated figure is a figural rattle with a bulbous belly and hollow interior. Small perforations allow it to emit sound when shaken, and it continues to function. Modeled with compact proportions and prominent headgear, it blends sculptural form with auditory purpose. Together, these three works reflect the diversity of Colima figural traditions - from composed standing figures to narrative-bound forms and interactive ritual objects - each offering insight into the ceremonial and symbolic life of ancient West Mexico.

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 199232

  • Condition: Largest has been repaired with chipping along visible break line; other two are intact. Stable hairline fissure to verso of rattle figure. All have expected surface wear. Otherwise, nice presentations with good detail and rich mineral deposits. Rattle still functions as a musical instrument.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000