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LOT 2478
Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Standing Figure
100 B.C.-250 A.D.
6 in. (109 grams, 15.2 cm).
Modelled in the round as a long-haired female with arms folded across the chest, applied hair, ears, girdle and loincloth; impressed points to the eyes and pierced ears. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a USA private collection.
Ex Dr David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950s-1960s.
Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
For a short and informative essay on hand modelled Colima figures, see Pearsons, L., Pre Columbian Art, The Morton D May and The Saint Louis Art Museum Collections, 1980, Harper and Row, New York, p.88.
FootnotesHand modelled early Colima figures are famed for their variety and insight into how the Colima lived thousands of years ago. Figures were hand modelled and show both men and women partaking in daily activities in addition to the shaman and dancers engaged in religious ceremonies.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Pre-Columbian Aztec Terracotta Head
Circa 250-400 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Mask with elaborate tiered headdress and ear-plugs; modelled in the half-round; old label to reverse '3012.025.96 Ancient Mexico AD 250650'. 103 grams, 94 mm
Acquired in 1996 from Antient & Oriental. From the Richard Cotterill collection. Acquired at auction in the early 2000s. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Drum Player
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Modelled in the round as a seated male playing a drum, wearing a pointed cap, ear plugs and a necklace, sitting with both hands resting on the edge of the drum. 346 grams, 14.6 cm
From a USA private collection. Ex Dr David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950s-1960s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Hand modelled early Colima figures are famed for their variety and insight into how the Colima lived thousands of years ago. Figures were hand modelled and show both men and women partaking in daily activities in addition to the shaman and dancers engaged in religious ceremonies. -
Pre-Columbian Mezcala Stone Idol
Circa 300-100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
An anthropomorphic figure carved from mottled grey stone, characteristically abstract and minimalistic; the neckline, arms, and legs all delineated by the meticulous string-cutting technique, with semi-smooth texture; type group M 1 according to Gay & Pratt (Mezcala, NY 1992),. 202 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired mid 1960s-mid 1990s. From the collection of George and Julianne Alderman, Baltimore, MD, USA. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The Mezcala culture, from the mountainous region of Guerrero in modern-day Mexico, is famous for its prolific production of stone sculpture, which includes human figures, animal effigies and architectural models. Little is known about this ancient civilisation, other than that it chose to bury its dead with these abstract, esoteric stone carvings, and that it was the only one of the Mesoamerican civilizations to have been so focused on architecture.
