Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE; Coahuayana Valley type, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A wonderful ensemble of 6 pottery figures: 2 archaic "gingerbread" form, 2 standard, and 2 Coahuayana Valley subtype. Dressed in loincloths, the 2 gingerbread figures stand with legs apart and arms spread outwards, as they each present flat bodies, jutting feet, and elongated, triangular heads with pointed headdresses, prominent noses, and low-set ears with annular drill holes for suspending ornaments. The larger is adorned with incised decoration, while the smaller boasts nice remains of black-painted stripes. Next, the pair of standard figures depicts a male and a female standing with legs together, each displaying thick legs, delineated genitalia, a flat body, square shoulders, and an ovoid head with an open mouth, a protruding nose, and circular eyes, all capped by a headdress and flanked by large ear adornments. Size (of largest): 3.4" W x 7" H (8.6 cm x 17.8 cm)

Both wearing necklaces, the male holds his arms to his side showcasing stippled shoulders of ceremonial scarification, while the female bends her arms at the elbows and places her hands on her chest to boast a pair of bangles on each arm. The final 2 figures are of the Coahuayana Valley subtype. The smaller figure stands with hands together on the belly, showing broad shoulders, tubular arms, and a large head with round cheeks, a triangular nose, and incised eyes. He wears an incised loin cloth, a cap, and annular earspools. Last, the larger figure is shown seated in a pose reminiscent of Nayarit mourning figures, displaying legs bent before him, arms folded, elbows resting on knees, and chin on arms. Hunching forward, his visage presents applied, ovoid eyes, a wide nose, an open mouth, and coffee bean-shaped ears, all topped by a broad headband.

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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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.

#168052

Larger gingerbread figure repaired with restoration. Restoration to proper left arm of smaller gingerbread figure. Standard female repaired from 3 pieces with break lines visible. Right arm of standard male reattached with break line visible. Smaller Coahuayana figure intact with resurfacing. Repair and restoration to larger Coahuayana figure. Otherwise, all are excellent with nice earthen deposits throughout.