Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Gulf Coast, Veracruz, Classic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 900 CE. A delightful hollow, buff terracotta head from a Sonriente. 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. The molded detail on this example shows a fine laughing face with almond shaped eyes, a small nose and a realistic mouth. The mouth is parted and shows teeth. The figure wears a large, curved headdress with a swirl-shaped motif that flows gracefully up one side. Size: 5.25" W x 5" H (13.3 cm x 12.7 cm); 9.75" H (24.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140793

This head was once part of a larger statue. Repaired down center of headdress, with overpainting along the repaired line. Losses to earlobes and bottom of neck. Details of face and headdress are wonderfully preserved.