Pre-Columbian, Jaina / Campeche Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 600 to 850 CE. A mold-made terracotta figure of a standing man with a distinguished face and a large, rounded headdress. The figure stands naturalistically, with his hands clasped in front of his waist, and is depicted with a thick belt. His head and face display remarkable artistry, with incredible detail - from the fine hair incised on his upper lip and chin to the raised marks on both sides of his face, probably meant to be deliberate scarification. To the Mayan viewer, those marks probably identified this man. He also wears large, spool-shaped earrings and his headdress is studded with applied, round discs - perhaps representing shells or even medallions made of precious metals on a real headdress. The figure was likely once brightly colored, as other Jaina figures are known for their bright blue and yellow pigment. Comes with a custom protective case, as shown. Size: 3.5" W x 8" H (8.9 cm x 20.3 cm); 12" H (30.5 cm) on included custom stand.

These figures, from an island off the Yucatan peninsula, are noted for their lifelike faces and their immense detail. The clothing that this figure wears almost certainly depicts the real clothing of a person in the Late Classic Maya period. These figures probably represent actual people and were most likely produced in Campeche and brought to Jaina Island to be buried with the dead.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Mark Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, USA

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#132620

Loss to front of figure as shown. Legs are also lost below the knee. Head and shoulders have been reattached. Excellent detail remaining, especially on the face.