Lot 17
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A large Jalisco ceramic female, modeled in the region's signature hollow construction and seated in a stable, forward-leaning pose that gives her a commanding presence. Her bare chest and pronounced breasts emphasize her identity, while her thick limbs and broad torso follow the established sculptural conventions of the Jalisco style. The shoulders are marked with small, raised pellets that may represent scarification or elite adornment, a feature frequently associated with figures of high status within the shaft-tomb tradition. Her face is shaped with the elongated planes characteristic of Jalisco women: a tall forehead, strong nose, and recessed eyes, all framed by small earflares and a high, flaring headdress. Traces of red pigment remain across the body, mingling with the mottled surface created by burial, giving the figure a warm, time-softened surface. Size: 6" L x 11" W x 14" H (15.2 cm x 27.9 cm x 35.6 cm)
The hands extend outward, palms upturned, a gesture that may indicate offering, greeting, or participation in a ceremonial act.
Female figures of this scale and refinement are closely linked to the ritual practices of West Mexico's shaft-tomb cultures. They were likely placed among groups of family members, attendants, and symbolic beings, forming a community of the living and the dead. Their semi-nude presentation, especially the emphasized breasts, is thought to relate to fertility, lineage, and the enduring role of women as transmitters of life and social identity. This example stands out for its size, intact form, and expressive modeling, offering a vivid encounter with the artistic vocabulary and ceremonial worldview of Jalisco artisans more than two millennia ago.
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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#197730
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with resurfacing over break lines; all done expertly and difficult to notice. Light surface wear with some chipping in areas as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, nice presentation with scattered earthen and mineral deposits.
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