Lot 150
Pair of Colima Pottery Nude Figures - Male & Female
Pair of Colima Pottery Nude Figures - Male & Female
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Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A striking pair of terracotta figures from Colima, representing a nude male and female, each modeled with bold stylization characteristic of West Mexican shaft tomb traditions. The male, made in the Pihuamo style, stands erect with hands placed on his hips, his ithyphallic form clearly rendered, emphasizing fertility and virility. He wears a prominent crest upon his head and retains traces of painted decoration across the torso. The female is shown seated with knees drawn up, her hands similarly resting on her hips, her genitals accentuated as part of the composition. She too bears a crest-like ridge at the crown of her head, a feature linking her with her male counterpart. Both figures display the schematic facial features typical of Colima artistry, with broad brows, deeply incised eyes, and prominent noses. Size of larger (male): 2.6" L x 5" W x 8.8" H (6.6 cm x 12.7 cm x 22.4 cm)
Their postures and exposed anatomies underscore themes of sexuality, reproduction, and social identity, likely serving a symbolic function within funerary or ritual contexts. Figures of this type are often found in shaft tombs, placed as companions or guardians for the deceased, embodying ideals of fertility, continuity, and protective power.
Together, the pair presents a vivid glimpse into the ceremonial and symbolic world of ancient Colima, their earthy yet commanding presence testifying to the enduring human preoccupation with life, death, and regeneration.
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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#197216
- Condition: Both have been professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done expertly and difficult to notice. Some light surface wear as shown, but, otherwise, both have nice presentations with scattered manganese deposits.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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