Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 200 BCE to 300 CE. An exceedingly rare burnished terracotta Colima crawling (oddly baby-like?) shaman with a characteristically mask-like face, wearing a helmet with an opening at the back presumably for pouring ritualistic libations, a shirt and leg coverings that humorously reveal a rather large phallus that serves as a fifth leg. Interestingly, while the helmet resembles a horn, it is quite different from the usual horns depicted upon most Colima renderings of shamans. The sculptural style of the Colima with its smooth forms and warm red hues as well as a wide variety of intricate postures, gestures, and expressions are distinct from those of the neighboring Jalisco and Nayarit cultures. This piece, with its sprawled out position, may in fact be interpreted as somewhat jaguar like in nature, with outspread limbs to protect the tomb into which it was placed. Possibly supporting this idea is the fact that two ovoid, white renderings on each side of the helmet may in fact represent the ears of an animal. What's more the incised digits on its limbs resemble paws. Perhaps we have a transforming shaman/jaguar figure. An exceptional example, in fabulous condition, replete with root marks and manganese blooms. Custom, museum quality mount. Size: figure measures 6.5" L x 5.5" W x 5.5" H (16.5 cm x 14 cm x 14 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex - Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM; Ex-Ron Messick, Santa Fe, NM

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#115872

Intact and choice. Fabulous root marks and manganese deposits across the surface.