Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A bold and powerfully modeled terracotta female figure from the ancient Jalisco shaft tomb tradition, remarkably preserved in intact condition. She is depicted seated with legs spread wide and extended, feet braced outward in a grounded, symmetrical pose. Her arms bend at the elbows, with hands resting firmly on her waist, creating a stance that exudes confidence and presence. The figure is enveloped in beige slip, adorned with stripes of red pigment across the neck, upper arms, waist, and the top of her head - markings that may represent jewelry, clothing details, or ceremonial paint. Her bare chest features prominently modeled conical breasts with raised nipples, while a red-banded loincloth encircles her waist, drawing attention to her femininity and the emphasis on fertility and life-giving power. Stylized facial features include a long, prominent nose, applique eyes, and large circular ear ornaments, all crowned by a tall cylindrical coiffure with a vent hole at the top of the head.

The visual abstraction of the figure aligns with the expressive sculptural style typical of West Mexican ceramic art. Figures like this were created for placement in shaft tombs, deep vertical burial chambers found throughout Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima. These tombs housed not only the deceased but also symbolic offerings meant to accompany them into the afterlife. Female figures were often associated with fertility, ancestral reverence, and agricultural abundance - roles central to both spiritual and communal life.

Rather than naturalism, artists favored bold abstraction and symbolic expression, focusing on gesture, proportion, and painted detail to convey meaning. This figure’s commanding pose, deliberate nudity, and layered pigmentation suggest a multifaceted identity - perhaps a revered ancestor, fertility spirit, or cultural archetype. As a testament to both artistic innovation and spiritual symbolism, this intact ceramic sculpture offers a powerful glimpse into the ceremonial traditions and aesthetic vision of ancient West Mexico.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired between 1978-1990

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.

#194032

  • Condition: Weathering to surface as shown, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with rich earthen deposits and root marks in areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

May 30, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 33.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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