Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz, also Totonac or Totonaca), Remojadas, ca. 300 to 600 CE. An impressive example - in both size and skill - of a warrior standing atop delineated legs and balancing with a third 'leg' protruding from his posterior. The ancient figure raises his left hand while holding a decorated shield in his right. Bangles adorn his wrists and ankles; his wrists showing thick bands and his ankles with coffee bean-shaped beads. His broad body is further adorned with an intricate belted skirt and a rope necklace. Supported by a sturdy neck, his huge head features a naturalistic visage, comprised of slender eyes, a pointed nose, and an expressive, open mouth, all capped by an elaborate jaguar headdress and flanked by a pair of lengthy, curved ear adornments. Original black pigment known as chapapote embellishes the area surrounding his mouth, as well as his pupils, necklace, anklets, and the side of his belt, adding a dramatic contrast to the light brown hue of the terracotta ground. Size: 10.25" W x 19.5" H (26 cm x 49.5 cm)

The sophisticated skills used by the artist to construct this piece demonstrate how advanced ceramic technology was in this culture. The arms, head, and legs, all hollow, were made separately and fitted onto the torso, with the joints smoothed over to disguise them. The piece was fired all together after the clay had dried for a brief period. Imagine the workshop where this item was made - full of disembodied limbs and heads in the process of being sculpted into shape.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Goldman Family Collection, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired in 2006; ex-New World Antiques, West Harrison, New York, USA; ex-Alan Long collection, New York, New York, USA

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#164710

TL holes to back of shield and head. Repair and restoration to proper right arm, right hand, headdress, chin strap, and small area on periphery of shield. Left arm, front of right foot, left earring, and back foot reattached with restoration over break lines. Possible repair and restoration to legs and nose. Losses to finger of left hand and tip of one spike on headdress. Skirt has 2 stable hairline fissures. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits throughout.