Lot 39
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A compelling Colima pottery figural vessel portrays a seated shaman in a grounded, forward-facing pose, his bent legs and planted hands creating a sense of weight and presence that feels almost immediate across centuries. Modeled in warm redware, the figure features a broad, expressive face with almond-shaped eyes, a slightly parted mouth, and a prominent nose, while incised linear markings trace across the head and chin, possibly indicating ritual paint or scarification. Most striking is the horned headdress that crowns the figure, its raised, curved elements and incised bands suggesting a powerful ceremonial identity, perhaps evoking transformation or connection to animal spirits, while a collar of petal-like forms encircles the neck, possibly representing feathered plumes or ceremonial adornment. Size: 7.5" W x 11.1" H (19 cm x 28.2 cm)
The hollow body and opening at the crown confirm its function as a vessel, consistent with Colima traditions in which such figures were interred within shaft tombs as offerings or companions to the deceased. The simplified anatomy - rounded shoulders, tubular limbs, and emphasized chest forms - reflects the sculptural conventions of Colima artisans, who favored clarity of form over strict naturalism, resulting in a form that is both symbolic and deeply human.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
202417
- Condition: Excellent. Lower body has been professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all expertly done and very difficult to notice. Some abrasions and scratches to surface, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentation with good remaining detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% 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 |