Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, late Olmec to Proto Maya culture, ca. 600 to 300 BCE. A fine, hand-built pottery sculpture of a seated figure riding the head of a zoomorph. Depicted with legs propped up at the knees as he straddles a dragon-like head, the fascinating figure displays a slender torso, short limbs, square shoulders, and a huge head. He gazes forward from large, almond-shaped eyes above a petite nose, an open mouth, and drilled ears, all topped by a helmet-like headdress with a circular adornment at the front. The ferocious reptile presents a pointed snout with incised nostrils and mouth agape, as the rider holds a pair of long sticks angled towards the beast's head. Size: 1.6" W x 2.5" H (4.1 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-private Midwest, USA collection, 1960s

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#168317

Light, ancient loss to tip of nose. Some minor nicks and abrasions. Otherwise, excellent with light mineral deposits in areas.