Lot 1B
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Olmec culture, ca. 1200 to 900 BCE. A finely sculpted Olmec pottery head of a baby, a type of effigy that has long intrigued scholars for its symbolic and spiritual associations. Baby figures in Olmec art are thought to represent supernatural beings or gods with childlike traits, perhaps embodying fertility, regeneration, or the cyclical nature of life. The downturned lips of this head evoke the features of the were-jaguar, a central figure in Olmec mythology that fused human and feline traits. Such imagery has led scholars to interpret these figures as beings caught in a process of transformation, reflecting shamanistic beliefs where children or divine intermediaries bridged the natural and supernatural worlds. This example, comparable to pieces found at Las Bocas and La Banca, is carefully modeled with pierced eyes, a fine nose, and a pouty mouth. Size: 4.4" L x 4.7" W x 6.8" H (11.2 cm x 11.9 cm x 17.3 cm); 9.4" H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.
The pierced ears and subtly pronounced baby front teeth add further realism to the expressive face, while the smooth surface and rounded contours enhance the sense of youth and vitality. Its striking form encapsulates the Olmec fascination with liminality, transformation, and the divine presence embodied in human form.
Please note that this piece was featured on the cover of Sotheby's Parke Bernet New York, June 3, 1972 auction catalog.
Provenance: private Colorado collection, USA, acquired October 17, 2024; ex-Art for Eternity, New York, New York, USA, August 25, 2024; ex-Barsky collection, Sutton Place, New York, USA, acquired from Sotheby's Parke Bernet New York, June 3, 1972, lot 32, cover lot.
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.
#196969
- Condition: Fragment of a larger piece, as shown. Professionally repaired with break lines visible in some areas and resurfacing and restoration over break lines in other aeras. Chip to headdress and some minor abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with impressive detail and liberal remaining pigment. Probe holes to back of proper right ear and top of head.
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 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 |