Pre-Columbian Stirrup Pot in Human Form

A striated green stone head or mask carved in the half-round with semi-naturalistic facial features, in the Olmec style; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 557 grams total, 17.6 cm including stand



with Throckmorton Fine Arts, 1990s. Private collection, England.

This fine maskette displays the classical features of Olmec Art. The eyes are feline and mouth slightly open, representing the snarl of the Jaguar, a revered animal to the ancient Olmec. This face likely depicts the ideal Olmec ruler rather than portrait of an individual and would have been made for important ceremony or individual of high rank.

Seated male figure with legs crossed, arms bent, hands placed in an advanced position each offering a cup; bracelets on the upper arms; ceremonial headdress, round lobed earrings, the body covered only by a fringed loincloth, or ehuatl. 5.85 kg, 30 cm



From an Italian collector living in Torino, Canada. Part of her family's collection, 1965. By descent from her grandmother, 1993. Private collection, England. Accompanied by a copy of the Italian cultural export permit. Accompanied by a signed academic report by Emilio J. Bejarano Erosa (Director of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología E Historia, Mexico, 1968-1982). Accompanied by scholarly note TL5340 by Dr Ronald Bonewitz. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10287-168435.

The Aztecs' capital city, Tenochtitlan, established in the 14th century, was located on the present-day site of Mexico City.

Red ware, hollow-formed and modelled in the round, seated figure with horn to the brow and pierced ears, incised decoration to the midriff, pouring spout to rear of head. 1.9 kg, 36.5 cm



with Bonhams, London, 24 May 2016, lot 21. Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, gentleman.

Holding a throwing stone in one hand and facing an unseen danger to his left as was tradition. This seated figure can be identified as a tomb guardian with the horn on his head marking him as a shaman or with magical powers. His purpose was to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife. The Colima culture produced the greatest variety of sculpture across ancient West Mexico.