A striking small ceramic figure attributed to the ancient West Mexican tradition, characterized by its expressive, highly stylized treatment of the human form.

The figure is modelled standing with elongated legs, a broad torso and raised, bent arms. Its carefully articulated face features a prominent nose, rounded eyes, projecting mouth and large circular ear ornaments. A distinctive cylindrical headdress or cap crowns the head, giving the figure a particularly recognizable silhouette. Small applied elements remain visible across the shoulders and upper body, adding to the figure's sculptural character.

The modelling is deliberately simplified yet expressive, with the proportions and treatment of the body characteristic of the figurative ceramic traditions of western Mexico. Comparable pottery figures from Jalisco, Colima and neighbouring regions demonstrate the remarkable variety of human representations produced in West Mexico during the pre-Columbian period.

The surface has developed a beautiful earthy brown-grey patina, with extensive natural wear, minor surface losses and areas of accumulated mineral or soil staining. The reverse reveals the same hand-modelled construction and preserves an old handwritten inventory or collection marking on the lower body.

Rather than being perfectly symmetrical or mechanically finished, the figure retains the subtle irregularities of its original hand modelling, giving it an especially tactile and intimate presence.

Details

• Culture: Jalisco / Ancient West Mexico

• Period: Pre-Columbian

• Material: Ceramic / terracotta

• Object: Standing human figure

• Dimensions: 8 × 5 cm (3.15 × 1.97 in.)

• Condition: Aged surface with natural wear, patination and minor losses

• Provenance: Ex. Dr. David Harner Collection, Arkansas, 1950s–1960s

Price € 150,—