Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima region, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Among the most sensitive examples of Colima figures we have ever seen, a Comala type vessel in the form of a peacefully sleeping individual, with her head resting upon her left arm, her right arm extended behind her back, legs bent in a fetal position, and a tubular spout with a flared rim emerging from her midsection. Her tranquil visage presents with coffee bean shaped eyes, a long protruding nose, closed full lips, large ears, and a cap-like coiffure or headdress, all collectively reflecting her relaxed state. A very special example from the ancients of this shaft tomb culture. Size: 8.5" W x 4.25" H (21.6 cm x 10.8 cm)

Colima, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was during this time part of the shaft tomb culture, along with neighbors to the north in Jalisco and Nayarit. In this culture, the dead were buried down shafts - 3 to 20 meters deep - that were dug vertically or near vertically through the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region. The base of the shaft would open into one or more horizontal chambers with low ceilings. These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and likely used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals. Vessels like this one were placed in the tombs in order to hold offerings for the honored deceased.

Provenance: private Stillwater, Minnesota, USA collection; ex- Artemis Gallery; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private collection of a Hollywood director who acquired it in the early 1980s

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#182303

Spout reattached, repairs invisible on the outside. Scattered manganese deposits. Nice burnishing marks as well.