Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, Chinesco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A seated/kneeling female figure of a Chinesco type yet of an exceptionally elegant form finished in red-brown slip with light cream and black painted slip decoration. Size: 5.75" W x 10.125" H (14.6 cm x 25.7 cm)

She sits in a tranquil state with a beautiful visage comprised of closed eyes, arched brows, a long, slightly curved nose, elegant cheekbones, and slightly parted lips - wearing a headband, tripartite ear ornaments, a painted cream-colored, multistrand 'beaded' necklace, armbands, a nosering, and a knee-length skirt that is adorned with black and cream hued striated details. Though topless, some black and cream markings suggest tattooing or body paint upon her torso. She exhibits many of the traditional Nayarit traits such as limbs made from long, thin ropes of clay, the longer sarong-like skirt or loin cloth, a prominent nose ornament, and elaborate multi-ring earrings that resemble inverted fans. At the same time she departs from the Nayarit with her exceptionally peaceful visage, the fact that the artist did not delineate her hair as most Nayarit pieces place great emphasis on incised coiffures, as well as the almost Classical smoothness of her face given that many Nayarit pieces display facial scarification with vertical slits. A stunning and exceptionally fine rendering of this beautiful female in repose.

Provenance: Ex - private LA County collection acquired before 1990

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#116289

Head has been repaired with a bit of inpainting. Otherwise intact and excellent.