Lot 145
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1200 to 600 BCE. A very large Olmec baby figure, sitting with characteristically chubby limbs extended - legs splayed apart and arms upraised - that bit of extra body fat that we endearingly refer to as 'baby fat' interrupted by an openwork navel, and an elongated head with an expressive visage comprised of puffy cheeks, slanted eyes with perforated pupils, a surprisingly naturalistic nose, and an open mouth revealing toothless gums and a tongue, capped by an incised coiffure adorned with black pigment. Adding further interest to the sculpture is a petite seashell or leaf applique adorning the baby's forehead. A wonderful example displaying hallmark Olmec Baby facial features as well as a playful attitude and infantile pose. Size: 9.75" L x 12.5" W x 15.875" H (24.8 cm x 31.8 cm x 40.3 cm)
This piece comes with a Thermoluminescence Analysis Report from Oxford Authentication Ltd, Oxford, England dating to September 3, 2015. Samples were taken from the back, arm, and back of head. While the samples were difficult to decipher, as each was "affected by re-heating", the authenticator at Oxford stated that, "the indications are that this piece is consistent with the presumed period." The results were summarized as follows, "It is not possible to issue a reliable date for this piece as all three samples have been affected by re-heating, presumably during restoration. However the indications are that this piece is consistent with the presumed period."
For an interesting article about Olmec baby figures see "Olmec Babies as Early Portraiture in the Americas" by James Doyle, Assistant Curator, Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, April 17, 2015 - https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/now-at-the-met/2015/olmec-babies
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
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#125801
- Condition: Head and limbs reattached, repaired from multiple pieces with areas of restoration to sections of the shoulders, waist/abdomen, groin, back, buttocks, hips/legs, and forehead. These are shown in images provided with the Oxford TL report. Extant losses to left ear and fingers of left hand.
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