Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 99
image_0 image_1 image_2
Tall Nayarit Ixtlan Del Rio Semi-Nude Female Figure
Tall Nayarit Ixtlan Del Rio Semi-Nude Female Figure
image_0 image_1 image_2

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Ixtlan del Rio type, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A hand-built pottery female figure of tall form standing atop dramatically arched feet. The woman dons a knee-length skirt adorned with decorative rectangular motifs, wears a thick necklace above exposed breasts, and holds a large olla with her right hand atop her shoulder. Her enlarged head is embellished with a thick septum ring, several earrings, and a twisted headband. Size: 5.5" L x 9.75" W x 15.75" H (14 cm x 24.8 cm x 40 cm)

West Mexican shaft tomb figures like this one derive their names from the central architectural feature that we know of from this culture. These people would build generally rectangular vertical shafts down from the ground level down to narrow horizontal tunnels that led to one or more vaulted or rounded burial chambers. The geomorphology in the area means that these chambers are dug out of tepetate, a type of volcanic tuff material, which give the chambers a rough-edged look. Although the dimensions of the chambers vary considerably - some only large enough to hold a single burial and its offerings, others seem designed to hold entire lineages - the placement of burial goods like this hollow figure was very similar. Grouped with other hollow figures, and alongside clay bowls, and boxes, they were positioned around the body (or bodies), near the skull. Unfortunately, we lack the information we would need to understand what these figures were made for - do they represent everyday people, even individuals? Are they religious? Were they created to mediate between the living and the dead? Whatever their purpose, today they are beautiful artwork and reminders of the mysterious past.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-private estate collection, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, acquired 1960 to 2024

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#186965

    Condition:
  • Repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration along some break lines, and visible adhesive residue along others.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

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

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% 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