**Originally Listed At $300**

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Huastec, ca. 1400 CE. A well-carved stone figure depicting a seated, praying lord with large, crescent moon-shaped ears or ear ornaments and presenting in an adoration pose, with large, paddle-like hands crossed over his chest, folded legs, and an upturned visage displaying a solemn, proud countenance, the face skillfully detailed with abstruse features and a dramatic expression of utter faith. The curved back side of this piece is dramatically curved suggesting that he represent a hunchback or a cargador holding a sack. Notice the concave recesses on top of the figure's sack/hunchback and head. These were deliberately created, perhaps to hold offerings to the deities. Size: 4.75" H (12.1 cm)

Cargadors (carrier figures) provided a pivotal service to their communities, because the wheel was not used to assist vehicles in transporting burdens. Curiously archaeologists, in their investigations, have only found wheels attached to miniature objects that resemble toys. Hunchbacks were also regarded as important figures in the Precolombian world as their deformities were interpreted as signs that these people were among the chosen few who were touched by the deities and could communicate with the celestial and ancestral realm.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York

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#131950

Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Earthen encrustation and deposits. Old collection number 1212 in green on the back. Taped label with another collection number 1090 on the base as well as three felt circles to prevent scratching a surface.