Lot 53
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A commanding Colima standing shaman, nude and powerfully modeled, holding a staff and offering bowl as if caught mid-ritual, his horned headdress rising like a signal above the head. The figure is sculpted in the round with the bold simplicity that defines Colima shaft tomb ceramics. The body is compact and grounded, with broad shoulders, thick legs, and large, flattened feet that anchor him firmly to the earth. One arm extends forward to present a shallow bowl, while the other rests upon a long vertical staff, a detail that reads as both authority and support, like a ceremonial implement held in quiet readiness. The face is strikingly stylized, with a strong projecting nose, almond-shaped eyes, and prominent ears. Traces of red pigment survive across the face, emphasizing the mask-like quality of the features and suggesting body paint or ritual coloration. Size: 7.7" W x 14.1" H (19.6 cm x 35.8 cm)
The horned shaman headdress, sharply delineated, crowns the figure with a supernatural accent, visually separating him from ordinary human presence.
A clearly modeled phallus underscores the theme of generative power, a recurring concept in West Mexican figural traditions where fertility, vitality, and spiritual mediation are often intertwined. In the context of Colima shaft tombs, such figures were not mere portraits but companions for the dead, placed as part of a larger ensemble of objects that reflected identity, social roles, and the unseen forces believed to shape life. With its strong posture, ritual attributes, and expressive painted face, this figure stands as a vivid emblem of Colima artistry - earthy, direct, and charged with ceremonial intent.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Provenance: private Burbank, Illinois, USA collection via inheritance 2024, acquired between 1970s to 2000s
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#196324
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Some chipping to feet with stable fissures to undersides, as well as minor nicks and abrasion sin areas. Otherwise, nice presentation with scattered earthen deposits. TL hole to underside of proper right foot and behind proper left ear.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |