Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic Period, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fine example of Colima pottery, a redware vessel depicting a male dwarf seated with legs splayed before him. The figure exhibits a form of dwarfism made evident by his malformed spine which protrudes through his back. He possesses other characteristics that portray his condition such as short arms extending downwards from rounded shoulders and a squat neck supporting a bulbous head. Incised coffee-bean-shaped eyes, a wide nose, slightly-parted puffy lips, and protruding ears with incised earspools comprise the dwarf's visage. The top of his head supports the short spout that leads into his hollow body. In Pre-Columbian times, physical conditions such as dwarfism and spine deformities, were believed to be signs from the divine and indicated that these were special, chosen individuals who were touched by the supernatural. A striking vessel, replete with meaningful iconography as well as beautiful deep red hue and light mineral deposits. Size: 6" W x 9.5" H (15.2 cm x 24.1 cm)

Individuals with hunchbacks and dwarfism were apparently very popular in Colima sculpture; indeed, they heavily outnumber portrayals of women (and some have theorized that this relates to their relatively high social status in the society). Interestingly, some scholars attribute the hunched back in West Mexican shaft tomb culture to a particular form of tuberculosis.

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#162598

Professionally repaired; legs reattached at waist with resurfacing, overpainting, and restoration along break lines. Minor nicks and surface abrasions to high pointed areas. Light mineral and magnesium deposits.