Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A nude female pottery figure, seated in a cross-legged pose with hands to her knees, gazing ahead as if in a trance-like state, with finely delineated eyes presenting drilled pupils and painted brows, a naturalistic looking nose, and full, slightly parted lips accounting for that tranquil expression. Though nude, this lady is elaborately adorned with a fanciful, avian headdress upon her black fringed coiffure, ear ornaments, a beaded necklace with a decorative face pendant, and scarifications on her shoulders and chest. The scarification patterns are quite distinct and have an almost "glyphic" nature to them. Size: 4.75" W x 10.25" H (12.1 cm x 26 cm)

Although the term "coast watcher" is a modern one, archaeologists believe that these figures probably represent individuals, with their personalized ear plugs, necklaces, etc. For a similar type, see "Ceremonial Sculpture of Ancient Veracruz," Hillwood Art Center, Long Island University, 1987.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA

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#139410

Minor repair at headdress and possibly one arm else intact and excellent.