Pre-Columbian, Central Highlands, Mexico, Mixtec culture, ca. 800 CE. Exceedingly rare set of four portrait heads done in heavy gray pottery, then finished in red and white added pigments. Each is carefully crafted to include hairstyles, facial flaws and expressions. Based on the painted elements and overall countenance of these individuals one can be fairly certain these were important members of the warrior class - certainly not individuals one would want to meet in a dark alley…. Size: 6.5" H (16.5 cm) for tallest.

A Thermoluminescence test was conducted on one of these to determine age and confirm authenticity. Samples were sent to Laboratory Kotalla in Germany as well as tested in the US at Artemis Testing Lab. Dates at each lab came back at 1200 years old and a report will be included with the shipment.

Provenance: private, San Francisco, California, USA; collection acquired at Butterfields, San Francisco, USA

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#119727

Minor chips but each with liberal root marked surfaces with fine managanese blooms attesting to their age.