Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fascinating sculpture made from hand-molded pottery, in two pieces, one a male figure, the other a pallet or bed in which the figure lies. The figure presents a stylized visage of bulging, annular eyes, a conical nose, and large mouth, all flanked by a pair of huge, discoid earspools and topped by a flared coiffure or headdress. Nude save for a thick necklace, his body is flat, with a rectangular mid-section, attenuated arms, an erect phallus, and pointed feet. The pallet stands on four legs and has 2 tall hoops that loop over his head and feet, protecting the body. It seems very likely that this figure represents someone who has died and is being carried to his grave. We know that people in ancient west Mexico had an intimate relationship with death and the deceased; they buried their dead in shafts underneath their homes. Human remains may have been carried on pallets like this to display them. A piece like this hints at an unknown past world, opening up many opportunities for further research and imagination. Size: 3.5" L x 2.75" W x 2.125" H (8.9 cm x 7 cm x 5.4 cm)

Provenance: private New York, USA collection, from 1966, purchased April 2010; ex-Neal Auctions, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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#165136

Repaired from a few large pieces with restoration over some break lines, but visible in other areas. Some light abrasions and minor nicks, commensurate with age. Char marks. Otherwise, excellent.