Pre-Columbian, Veracruz, ca. 100 BCE to 800 CE. This is a buff clay pottery standing smiling-faced figure in an animated posture with both hands extended. He is adorned with a triangular headdress, ear clips on his large ears, and pectoral collar. He has wide almond eyes and wide smiling face grin. Smiling faces are very rare in Mesoamerican art, but in Remojadas and the surrounding area, there are thousands of these Sonrientes figures, leading to a mystery for archaeologists. Some have suggested that the smiles are the result of consuming the alcoholic beverage pulque, or taking hallucinogenic drugs; others see them as representing performers. Size: 10.5" H (26.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Old Philadelphia collection, Arthur Englander.

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#116208

Flute blow holes behind and overall remains of white pigment.