Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A striking bichrome, white-on-red, sheepface seated figure holding a serpent-like creature in the left hand across the chest and placing the right hand across upraised knees. The figure's so-called sheep-face presents a protruding nose, pointed horn-like protrusions above the ears, slanted ovoid eyes, and a gently smiling mouth. The figure is also highly decorated with a twisted hairband wrapped around an upraised coiffure, perforated ears with enormous openings and incised peripheries, a multistrand necklace, white armbands and gloves (perhaps to protect it from the snake), and a single shoulder strapped garment meticulously painted with a repeated star-like motif. Truly a work that ignites one's imagination - perhaps a vision of a shaman engaged in a ceremonial ritual. Size: 5.625" W x 10.5" H (14.3 cm x 26.7 cm)

Provenance: private Stagecoach, Nevada, USA collection; acquired from 1985 to present from galleries such as Arte Primitivo, Art For Eternity, Butterfields and Riverbend Gallery

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#128699

Normal surface wear with slight losses to pigment. Areas of earthen encrustation and manganese deposits. Old inventory stickers on the back side.