Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A commanding pottery figure of a kneeling nude woman, modeled with striking attention to bodily detail and adorned with elaborate ornaments. Her corpulent form is accentuated by a rounded belly upon which both hands rest, pointed breasts, and clearly delineated genitalia, hallmarks of Nayarit figural style that emphasize fertility and feminine power. Despite her nudity, she wears layers of finery, including a wide collar necklace, large ear hoops, and a headband encircling an incised coiffure rendered with vertical striations. The expressive face, with parted lips and open eyes, conveys a sense of presence, while the robust body, posed on bent legs, suggests ritual significance. Such figures were traditionally placed in shaft tombs to accompany the deceased, serving as guardians, companions, or representations of social roles within Nayarit culture. Size: 6.1" L x 7.5" W x 13.7" H (15.5 cm x 19 cm x 34.8 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-California Auctioneers, Ventura, California, USA; ex-Sy Owens Auction Callery, San Francisco, California, USA, 1967

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#196616

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines. Light surface wear, but otherwise, very nice presentation with good presentation and nice detail. Scattered manganese deposits to surface.

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October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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