**Originally Listed At $2000**

Pre-Columbian, Western Mexico, Nayarit, Ixtlan del Rio, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A wonderful pair of matched male and female terracotta figures with characteristically wide bodies, arching backs, painted 'beaded' pectorals, and recessed disc-shaped eyes. Both figures are seated and have lovely superficial details painted in hues of cream, ochre, and black over orange slip. The male has arms with stylized fingers resting on knees, an elaborate headband, prominent ears with grand ear spools, a protruding nose detailed with a thick nose ring, and a sculpted and expressive mouth with thin lips and a citrine-hued tongue. The female has a bowl between her ankles, a modest headband resting on a wide brow, a considerable nose with a larger nose ring than her male counterpart, and a circular painted mouth. A lively pair of figures, done in the distinct Ixtlan del Rio style, created by the ancients of West Mexico. Size of male: 6" L x 6" W x 8.75" H (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm x 22.2 cm); Size of female: 5.75" L x 6" W x 9.75" H (14.6 cm x 15.2 cm x 24.8 cm).

For similar examples, please see: "Sculpture of Ancient West Mexico, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima: The Proctor Stafford Collection", by M. Kan, C. Meighan, & H.B. Nicholson, Pp. 79 to 83, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, 1989.

Provenance: ex-private Southern California, USA collection, acquired between 1969 and 1985

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126904

Stabilized pressure fissure on lower back of female. Both figures have age-commensurate surface wear, faded or missing pigmentation, and mineral deposits throughout, otherwise excellent.