**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A lovely Sonriente head in buff clay of a large triangular form. The head depicts a grand headdress adorned with stylized spiral motifs on both the left and right sides and a bifurcated tongue crest in the center. The happy visage boasts wonderful features including almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, smooth high cheekbones, and most characteristically, a toothy smile. Sonrientes, or "smiling faces," are the most famous pottery from this period in Veracruz (known as Remojadas for its keystone archaeological site). Like this one, they depict wide, smiling, childlike faces, often with teeth showing. A wonderful and finely-crafted example from ancient Mexico! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 5.375" W x 5" H (13.7 cm x 12.7 cm); 8.125" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private B. Z. collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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#133918

Head was once part of a larger figure. Repaired from multiple large pieces with small losses and adhesive residue along break lines. Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions as expected, light discoloration, and small nicks along peripheries and to facial features. Light earthen and mineral deposits throughout.