Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Valley of Mexico, Tlatilco, ca. 800 to 500 BCE. A hand-modeled 'pretty lady' figure in solid terracotta, with a pronounced, large headdress or coiffure, large almond-shaped eyes, a protruding tongue, and characteristically attenuated arms, round breasts, and large wide hips signifying fertility. The meaning of these figures is not known, with early, mostly male, archaeologists calling them "pretty ladies," although it is not clear who made the pottery in this society or who their intended audience was. Could this figure be votive, or was it meant to represent a real person? Did it have erotic intent or did it relate to motherhood? We may never know. Tlatilco is known for its unique figurines, found in great quantities in tombs. This culture was contemporary with the Olmec, but the artistic style is completely different, suggesting a fascinating cultural milieu in Mesoamerica during this time. Size: 3.05" W x 6.05" H (7.7 cm x 15.4 cm); 6.35" H (16.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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.

#131324

  • Condition: Head has been reattached. Very nice detail remaining for age.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 10, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000