Lot 20

3 Colima Figures - Standing Male, Drummer, Bound Female

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Lot 20
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3 Colima Figures - Standing Male, Drummer, Bound Female
3 Colima Figures - Standing Male, Drummer, Bound Female
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3 Colima Figures - Standing Male, Drummer, Bound Female

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A striking trio of Colima pottery figures illustrates the narrative vitality of West Mexican ceramic traditions. The largest figure stands upright, wearing a loincloth and holding his arms folded across his chest. His broad shoulders, strong legs, and composed stance convey quiet authority, while incised details and carefully modeled features emphasize status and identity. Beside him, a seated nude male leans forward over a cylindrical drum, hands positioned as if mid-performance. His posture and the instrument's form create a vivid sense of movement, capturing a moment of sound and rhythm translated into clay. Musical scenes such as this may reference ceremonial gatherings or communal rituals. Size of largest: 2.1" W x 5.6" H (5.3 cm x 14.2 cm)

The third figure depicts a nude female secured to a bed or pallet, her knees slightly raised and arms restrained at her sides. The rectangular support frames her body, suggesting a narrative or ritual context that remains open to interpretation. Together, these three works demonstrate the expressive range of Colima figural art - from poised standing forms to scenes of music and restraint - offering insight into the social and ceremonial life of ancient West Mexico.

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

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Item # 199231

  • Condition: Figure on pallet has been repaired with break lines visible and other two have been repaired with some restoration. All have expected weathering to surfaces. Otherwise, nice presentations with scattered earthen and mineral deposits.

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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