Lot 12B
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A spirited creation of West Mexican artistry, this seated shamanic vessel captures the presence of a ritual specialist caught mid-gesture, modeled from the warm, iron-rich clay characteristic of Colima workshops. The figure sits with rounded torso and bent legs, its body forming the hollow chamber of the vessel, while a flaring spout rises behind the shoulders like a quiet plume of breath. The surface carries the mottled red and black tones produced by reducing-atmosphere firing, a hallmark of Colima ceramics that lends the figure a volcanic, ember-lit depth. The shaman's face is boldly rendered, with wide, circular eyes, a sharply defined nose, and a tense, slightly parted mouth that suggests chant or invocation. Size: 6.5" L x 7.1" W x 10" H (16.5 cm x 18 cm x 25.4 cm)
Crowned with a crested headdress and framed by circular ear ornaments, he wears a necklace of incised, radiating pendants that underline his ritual authority. In one hand, he grips a small grinding tool; in the other, he steadies a petite bowl or mortar. Together, they transform the figure into an image of active ceremony, evoking the preparation of medicines, sacred pigments, or hallucinogenic substances central to shamanic practice.
Vessels such as this one were placed in the shaft tombs of ancient Colima, where shamans, warriors, animals, and ancestors formed a ceramic cosmos of protection and identity. The shaman stood at the threshold between worlds, interceding with spirits, healing the body, and guiding the soul. This figure's equipment hints at the tactile realities of that role, granting rare insight into the tools that shaped ritual life.
The sculpture's rounded volume, confident modeling, and vivid surface speak to the mastery of Colima potters, who transformed clay into living presences. Even now, the figure leans forward with palpable energy, its expressive face and ceremonial implements preserving the rhythm of an ancient ritual moment in compelling, earthly form.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005
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.
#199658
- Condition: Professionally repaired with repainting over break lines. Some weathering and small nicks to surface as shown, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good detail and scattered mineral desposits throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% 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 |