Lot 11
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, southern Nayarit region, Chinesco, Lagunillas, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A rare and poignant pottery figure of a kneeling hunchback woman, modeled in the smooth and stylized Chinesco tradition of the Lagunillas phase. With a bowed back and rounded form, the figure rests on one bent knee in a grounded, contemplative pose. Her right arm crosses the torso to cradle the stomach, while the left hand presses down on the bent knee for support. The face takes on a sharply triangular shape, with high cheekbones and a pointed chin framing coffee bean-shaped eyes that peer forward beneath gently arched brows. A prominent ring pierces the septum, adding a striking touch of ornamentation. Unclothed above the waist and dressed in a simple loin cloth, the figure is further adorned with painted white motifs that suggest a necklace and waistband. Pierced ears and a rich burnished red slip - darkened in areas from age and exposure - complete the sculpture's presence. Size: 6.8" L x 5.6" W x 9" H (17.3 cm x 14.2 cm x 22.9 cm)
Figures of hunchbacks held special meaning in Nayarit funerary traditions. Rather than symbols of exclusion, such representations were often associated with liminality, spiritual insight, and supernatural power. This evocative example stands as both a deeply human portrait and a ceremonial icon, embodying the aesthetic refinement and spiritual nuance of ancient West Mexican artistry.
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
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.
#194399
- Condition: Base has slight wobble, but figure can still stand independent of support. Professionally repaired with chipping along some visible break lines and restoration and repainting over others. Light surface wear as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, nice presentation with good remaining pigments.
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 up to 27.5% 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 |