Lot 31
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Jalisco, San Juanito type, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A large-scale pottery figure of a semi-nude female, rendered with striking presence and detail, exemplifying the San Juanito type associated with shaft tomb burials of Jalisco. The figure stands upright with powerful legs and squared feet, her body animated by finely modeled features and carefully painted decoration. Bare-chested, she displays prominently modeled breasts with pronounced nipples, further emphasized by painted spiral motifs. Black-painted designs across her chest suggest tattooing, underscoring her ritual identity and status. Her shoulders are stippled with raised pellet-like nodes, representing ritual scarification, a feature characteristic of high-ranking figures within this sculptural tradition. Across her lower body, she wears striped trousers, the bold linear design adding rhythmic contrast to her otherwise smooth surfaces. Size: 4" L x 8.9" W x 17.5" H (10.2 cm x 22.6 cm x 44.4 cm)
Her proper right hand rests assertively upon her rounded belly, a gesture that may signify fertility, authority, or ritual embodiment. In her left hand, she holds a small bowl, a possible offering or emblem of ceremonial participation. The head is surmounted by a long cap or headdress with striated texture, framing a face of solemn dignity with a long aquiline nose, perforated earspools, and hanging tresses.
Figures of this type were placed in shaft tombs alongside the deceased, serving as guardians, companions, or representations of social identity. Their imposing scale and remarkable individuality suggest that they played a central role in funerary ritual, embodying ideals of lineage, fertility, and communal memory. This example, with its imposing height, deeply modeled detail, and powerful stance, ranks among the finest expressions of West Mexican artistry.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, auction 115, lot 43, July 22, 2024; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, Auction 70, lot 50, May 14, 2014; ex-Meisenheimer collection, California, USA, acquired from Anthropos Gallery, Malibu, California, USA
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.
#197630
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with repainting over break lines. Nicks and abrasions to surface, all commensurate with age. Adhesive to undersides of feet from previous display. Otherwise, excellent presentation with good remaining detail and scattered earthen deposits. Old Arte Primitivo labels on underside of right foot.
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 |