Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Chinesco style, ca. 100 to 300 CE. This is a colorful, pensive pottery figure in the "Chinesco" style, so-called by early collectors because they felt that this class of figures looked Chinese. These figures are characterized by painted decoration and smooth burnished surfaces. The figure sits with his knees raised, arms linked and leaning on them. His face is serious, with markings that may represent tattoos or scarification; he wears a nose ring and a simple headdress. His body is decorated with black and white circles and banded lines and he wears a red thong. This statue would have been placed inside of a shaft tomb built beneath a house platform, which would serve as the family mausoleum and be opened periodically to inter the deceased. I particularly enjoy the simplicity, calm facial expression, and painted details of this piece. Size: 7"H x 5"W x 4"L (18 cm x 13 cm x 10 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Hooper Collection, California, acquired via family descent

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#110578

One foot repaired, otherwise, piece appears intact. Although there is wear, the artwork is generally very clear and colors are still obvious.