Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz culture, also known as Totonac (Totonaca), Remojadas, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A superb, life-size, pottery head of a dignitary coated in stucco and rendered in a highly realistic technique. Presenting a stern countenance emitting an air of determination, the naturalistic visage exhibits slender, down-turned eyes under a prominent brow, a noble nose, strong cheek bones, and thick lips set in a slight frown. Flanking his head, his ears are adorned with sizable, conical earspools with annular, openwork centers and broad flared front rims, painted in vibrant shades of orange and cobalt. His black coiffure is parted in the middle and carefully incised with parallel lines as a slender orange headband encompasses the top of his head. Paint of a creamy tan tone envelops his face and shoulders. Note the artist's close attention to detail in the figure's recessed trachea area and the incised striations representing folds of flesh around his mouth, eyes, and nostrils. Size: 9.5" W x 10.75" H (24.1 cm x 27.3 cm)

Excavations near the modern Mexican town of Remojadas have revealed two types of impressive, detailed pottery figures from the Veracruz period: the Sonrientes, the joyous "smiling faces", and figures that had heads like this one, more serious and mostly adult figures, making this youthful face unusual, with elaborate costumes, themes, and sometimes props that all seem to suggest religious or political ceremonies. Figures with heads like this example are often found with the bodies broken into pieces though with the heads largely intact, as the figures were ritually destroyed in this manner as burial offerings.

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.

Provenance: ex-collection of Professor John Wilkins, Columbus, Ohio, USA, acquired in 1987; ex-Paul Shepard, Tucson, Arizona, USA; ex-Sotheby’s, New York, New York, USA, November 24, 1986, lot 118; ex-Collection of Lucy and Berle Adams (co-founder of Mercury Records), acquired in 1970s

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161562

Fragment of a larger piece. Repaired from approximately fifteen pieces with restoration over break lines and some additional restorations to hair. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits and impressive remains of pigment. TL hole on bottom peripheries of front and back of neck and back of both ears.