Pre-Columbian Stirrup Pot in Human Form

Ellipsoid plaque with deeply incised vertical and horizontal grooves, mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.10 kg total, 25.2 cm high including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

This work, abstract in appearance with deep grooves cutting across what appears to be a face is most aligned with the arts of ancient Guerrero or specifically the Mezcala. In the late pre classic an array of stone carved figures and masks were produced often with minimal adornment and a clear preference for simple lines and forms.

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.

Squat with rounded underside and slightly everted rim, opposed lugs to the rim, band of painted crosshatching beneath the rim and rectangles with arrowheads beneath. 186 grams, 12.1 cm



Acquired in the 1970s. Ex Nicolas Cuppy, UK. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.