Lot 43A
Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima; Jalisco, Tuxcacuesco region, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A compelling trio of West Mexican terracotta figures, this lot gathers together three distinct sculptural voices from ancient Jalisco and Colima. Their forms, gestures, and surface treatments testify to the rich variety of styles that flourished across the region's shaft-tomb cultures. The largest figure, from the Tuxcacuesco region of Jalisco, stands with a tall, elongated head, flaring torso, and sharply pointed legs. His long nose, pierced ears, and rhythmic incised bands across the chest speak to the stylized, almost surreal aesthetic characteristic of Jalisco sculptors. He is explicitly male, depicted with an erect phallus, a motif understood to signal fertility, virility, and ancestral potency. Figures of this type often served as guardians or generative symbols within tomb assemblages, their exaggerated features enhancing their presence in the ritual landscape. Size of largest: 4.5" W x 8.5" H (11.4 cm x 21.6 cm)
The two smaller figures come from Colima, a region known for its warm, iron-rich clay and its lively, rounded modeling. Both exhibit the classic Colima taste for compact, expressive bodies with broad hips, defined arms, and carefully detailed faces. Though differing slightly in scale and posture, they share elements of the region's stylistic vocabulary: applied ear ornaments, crossed arms or hands held closely at the torso, and traces of red slip still clinging to their surfaces. Colima figures often embodied ancestors, attendants, or individuals of social importance, placed in tombs to accompany and protect the deceased.
Taken together, the group offers a microcosm of West Mexico's sculptural diversity. The tall, abstracted Jalisco figure contrasts strikingly with the rounder, more intimate Colima forms, creating a dynamic interplay of proportion, meaning, and regional identity. Each carries the warmth of fired clay and the echoes of its original ceremonial purpose, their survival as a group preserving the subtle dialogue that once linked communities across ancient western Mexico.
For a similar figure for the largest see Museo Amparo, registration number 52 22 MA FA 57PJ 850 2.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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.
#199356
- Condition: Largest has been professionally repaired and restored with repainting over break lines. Most petite is missing one foot and has possible restoration to head. Scattered earthen and mineral deposits throughout.
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 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 |