Lot 33

Veracruz Terracotta Seated Dignitary Figure - Adorned with Bitumen-Painted Features

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 33
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
Veracruz Terracotta Seated Dignitary Figure - Adorned with Bitumen-Painted Features
Veracruz Terracotta Seated Dignitary Figure - Adorned with Bitumen-Painted Features
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

Veracruz Terracotta Seated Dignitary Figure - Adorned with Bitumen-Painted Features

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $400

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 300–900 CE. A modeled terracotta figure sits with legs folded and forearms crossed over the lap, the composed posture of a personage at rest or in ceremony. A broad, tiered headdress fans upward and frames the face with heavy lateral rosettes, while beaded strands cascade at either side as ear ornaments and pendant elements. A segmented collar rests against the chest, and matching beaded bands wrap the upper arms. Traces of black bitumen pigment linger at the mouth, across the pupils, and along the outer corners of the eyes, animating a face of half-closed eyes, a broad nose, and full lips held in quiet dignity. The wealth of regalia (headdress, earflares, necklace, and armbands) marks this as a figure of rank, likely an elite personage or deity impersonator from the Classic-period Gulf Coast. Size: 3.5" W x 6.8" H x 2.5" D (8.9 cm W x 17.3 cm H x 6.3 cm D).

The Classic Veracruz tradition of Mexico's Gulf Coast, centered on sites such as El Zapotal and Remojadas, is celebrated for its expressive ceramic sculpture. Figures of this kind used elaborate dress as a visual language of status: the multi-tiered headdress and layered ornament signaled elite standing or divine identity, and such pieces frequently accompanied burials or served in ritual settings.

The selective application of chapopote (natural asphaltic bitumen) to define the mouth, pupils, and the outer contours of the eyes is a hallmark of Gulf Coast ceramic practice. This tar-based pigment, gathered from natural seeps along the coast, was prized as a decorative accent and here sharpens the gaze and lends the features their arresting presence.

Provenance: ex-David Zahler collection, acquired between 1975 to 2004

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 # 203753

  • Condition: Proper left leg has been repaired with break line visible on underside. Loss to part of headdress. Weathering to surface with nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, nice presentation with good remaining detail and liberal remaining bitumen. Rich earthen deposits throughout.

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