**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A wonderful pottery vessel depicting a male dwarf cargador - a carrier figure holding a burden - leaning forward with hands resting upon spread legs, and an expressive visage that communicates just how much effort it takes to carry his heavy load. His prominent brow protrudes over squinting eyes, just above a heaving mouth; this fellow is surely working hard! The vessel that he has slung over his back opens up to his hollow interior. Though mostly nude with clearly delineated genitalia, his body is still adorned with shoulder pellets, armbands, earspools, and a flared headdress bearing a geometric motif. Lovely hues of black, beige, and red further embellish the surface of this evocative example. Size: 6.3" W x 9.3" H (16 cm x 23.6 cm)

A noble ceramic representation of the humblest member of Pre-Columbian societies, the cargador or burden bearer who carries wares on his back. The worker has always been upheld as an honorable contributor in Pre-Columbian societies, so much so that by the early 20th century, these carriers would be romanticized by Mexican Modernists who introduced the concept of indigenismo, a philosophy that honored the native cultures of their land. Chief among them was Diego Rivera whose infamous painting "The Flower Carrier" (1935, SFMOMA collection), a work that is essentially a tribute to not only the flower carrier but all cargadores, is a cherished emblem of indigenous culture. Load bearers in general provided a pivotal service to their communities, because the wheel was not yet used on vehicles to transport burdens. Curiously archaeologists, in their investigations, have only found wheels attached to miniature objects that resemble toys.

Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-Anthropos Gallery, Laguna Beach, California, USA

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#177748

Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting in areas, as well as light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigment and rich manganese deposits throughout. Modern felt pads on base for protection.