Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An evocative and powerfully expressive figure from ancient Jalisco, this seated male sculpture captures a profound moment suspended between life and death. Cast in a posture of repose, the figure sits with legs folded, hands gently placed atop his shins, and his lean, tapering limbs conveying a sense of subtle motion frozen in time. The sculptor's attention to anatomical nuance is apparent in the smooth modeling of the torso, the diminutive phallus, and the stark geometry of the facial features. A broad, triangular face dominates the composition, defined by narrow, coffee bean-shaped eyes, a pronounced ridge-like nose, pierced ears adorned with tassels, and parted lips from which protrudes a rounded form – the so-called "death bubble." This poignant motif, often associated with funerary iconography, is interpreted as a final breath or spiritual essence departing the body. Size: 4.9" L x 6.3" W x 7.9" H (12.4 cm x 16 cm x 20.1 cm)

Traces of red and black slip remain across the burnished surface, adding warmth and visual contrast, while enhancing the figure's ceremonial aura. Whether regarded as an ancestral effigy, spiritual guardian, or symbolic expression of transition, this sculpture offers a haunting and intimate window into the mortuary traditions of West Mexico's shaft tomb culture – contemplative, timeless, and deeply human.

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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#194253

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Light surface wear, but otherwise, excellent presentation with rich mineral deposits throughout.

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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.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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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