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LOT 2221
Pre-Columbian Anthropomorphic Terracotta Figure
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PERIOD, 300 B.C.–600 A.D.
1 5/8 in. (8.18 grams, 41 mm).
Depicting a highly stylised anthropomorphic character standing frontally, with a disproportionately large head, schematic facial features, and arms crossed over the chest, with the hands carefully indicated; the hair, or possibly a close-fitting headdress, rendered by a series of deeply incised parallel groove; the body tapering to a conical lower section, emphasising the abstract character of the representation; dark grey to black firing, with traces of light-coloured mineral encrustations. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market in 1990s.
English private collection.
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LOT 2221
Pre-Columbian Anthropomorphic Terracotta Figure
Estimate £50 - 70€58 - 81 (for guidance only)$68 - 95 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Pre-Columbian Tembladera Pottery Stirrup Vessel
Chavin Culture, Tembladera phase, 1200-1000 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Modelled as a trophy leg; burnished pottery vessel with a planar base, a bulbous body shaped like a human thigh, shin, and foot; stirrup-shaped handle with broad corners, cylindrical spout with a flared lip; the upper face with incised glyphs: abstract jaguar-human heads bearing rectangular eyes, curled noses and ears, and gaping, toothy mouths; from each maw a flowing life-force trail that merges with the back of the next head; further embellished with red cinnabar pigment contrasted with the coffee-colored body; professionally repaired and restored. 609 grams, 19 cm high
Hans Juergen Westermann, Germany, 1950s-1060s. Private collection, Hawaii, USA. with Artemis Gallery, 7 October 2020. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Artemis Gallery.
A 'trophy leg' would occasionally be taken from a defeated enemy combatant along with the head. -
Pre-Columbian Anthropomorphic Terracotta Figure
Regional Development Period, 300 B.C.–600 A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Depicting a highly stylised anthropomorphic character standing frontally, with a disproportionately large head, schematic facial features, and arms crossed over the chest, with the hands carefully indicated; the hair, or possibly a close-fitting headdress, rendered by a series of deeply incised parallel groove; the body tapering to a conical lower section, emphasising the abstract character of the representation; dark grey to black firing, with traces of light-coloured mineral encrustations. 8.18 grams, 41 mm
Acquired on the European art market in 1990s. English private collection. -
Jalisco Ceramic Figure of a Warrior
West Mexico, circa 200 B.C.-300 A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Hollow-formed terracotta warrior in aggressive stance, holding a club menacingly in both hands, and wearing jewellery in the nose and ears, and a red loincloth knotted at the front, the face with painted detailing and a painted collar around the neck. 3.57 kg, 37.5 cm
Private collection of Leo (1922-1979) and Evelyn D. Farland (1930-2025), New York, thence by descent.
Jalisco warrior or guardian figures were produced to accompany and protect the deceased. The barrel-shaped armour and weapons adorning these figures offer a rare glimpse into how warfare may have been conducted in ancient west Mexico.
