Mixtec Terracotta Vessel Featuring a Human-Headed Spout - PF.2584, Origin: Southwest, Mexico, Circa: 1200 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 9.5" (24.1cm) high, Collection:  More »

Mixtec Terracotta Vessel Featuring a Human-Headed Spout - PF.2584, Origin: Southwest, Mexico, Circa: 1200 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 9.5" (24.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Mixtec, Medium: Terracotta. During Pre-Columbian times, the Mixtec people lived in a region in Western and Northern Oaxaca, now called the Mixteca. It is a Mountainous land characterized by a succession of very small valleys, inhabited by the Mixtec starting about 850 A.D. By the beginning of the post-classic period, around 900 A.D., the leading power in the Mixtec was a town called "Mountain that opens." Through the course of time, the Mixtec managed to bring under their sway not only all of the Mixteca proper but also most of nearby Zapotec territory as well. By approximately 1350 A.D., the Mixtec began to infiltrate even the valley of Oaxaca by the usual method of state marriage, Mixtec royal brides insisting on bringing their own retinues to the Zapotec court. By the time the Spaniards arrived, the Mixtecs occupied practically all- Zapotec sites. These early conquistadors were duly impressed by the incredible Mixtec artistry that they discovered in the region. For one thing, Mixtec ceramic craftsmanship was highly developed and excelled in polychrome pottery. Here we experience a stunning example of Mixtec ceramic artistry in the form of a painted, anthropomorphic vessel. Surmounted by a tall handle, the rounded vessel has two painted sides, each with a circular depression painted a contrasting color to accentuate its elegant shape. The vessel's spout is imaginatively sculpted to form the head of an anthropomorphic creature whose wide-open mouth serves as the spout's opening. The Mixtec artistic influence in the region was extensive and although, like several other rival states in Mexico, the Aztecs marked the Mixtecs for conquest, they were never completely vanquished by that infamous empire. This stunning Mixtec vessel stands as a testament to cultures whose aesthetic sensibilities not only survived the Aztecs but contionue today, so many centuries later, to delight and satisfy.   « Less

Sculpture of an Old Woman Carrying a Pot on Her Back - PF.3189, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 550 AD to 800 AD, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide, Collection:  More »

Sculpture of an Old Woman Carrying a Pot on Her Back - PF.3189, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 550 AD to 800 AD, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 2.5" (6.4cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. A smile worth a million dollar gleams forth from this exquisite figurine. We must remember that the sculptor is working with a medium, terracotta, that is not as easy to mold or chisel as other stones or materials. To capture such an individualistic expression in the moment took an extremely talented and sensitive artist. We can sense the artist's tender touch as he pushed the clay down under the eyes and upward from the mouth to form the raised cheeks. The protruding lower lip has been delicately rendered underneath the recessed upper lip, and the wrinkles depicted at either side of the mouth reveal the signs of aging, as well as the ebbing breasts. Age seems to establish the dignity of this person of high status (indicated by the earspools and by the deformation of her skull). She carries a brazeros on her back and may be a female counterpart to the Old Fire God who also carries a brazeros on his back. There is a personal communication from this poignantly aging woman that is magical, leaving us with an unforgettable impression.   « Less

Mixtec Terracotta Incensario in the Form of a Deity - PF.3262, Origin: Pueblo, Mexico, Circa: 1200 AD to 1400 AD, Dimensions: 20" (50.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Mixtec Terracotta Incensario in the Form of a Deity - PF.3262, Origin: Pueblo, Mexico, Circa: 1200 AD to 1400 AD, Dimensions: 20" (50.8cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Mixtec, Medium: Terracotta. The face on this immensely powerful figure captures our attention, with an open mouth giving us a smile. He seems to be laughing at a secret that only he knows. The tremendous amount of jewelry he is adorned with denotes how important he must have been to this culture. The bracelets, wide collar, sandals with well defined knots, and large ear spools show his wealth in this community as well. This anthropomorphic vessel was used as an incense burner. It most probably represents one Mexican deity in the Late Post-Classical Mixteca-Puebla style. This statue is marvelously rich with energy and highly complex mythology. This enigmatic work of art is a masterpiece of composition graced with the eternal qualities of mystery and beauty.   « Less

Stone Sculpture of a Skull - PF.3412, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide x 13" (33.0cm) depth, Collection:  More »

Stone Sculpture of a Skull - PF.3412, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high x 7" (17.8cm) wide x 13" (33.0cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Stone. This marvelous stone sculpture of a skull is carved in a realistic manner, depicting especially powerful deep eye sockets and a full set of teeth. Such close resemblance to a real human skull has a strong visual and emotional impact on its viewers. In Ancient Meso-America, skulls were often used to suggest death and sacrifice, and this magnificently carved skull possibly represents the god of the underworld. The underworld was a place in afterlife through which all the deceased had to go. Its nine layers are difficult to pass through and perhaps this god of the underworld was to oversee those who are traveling through those layers. In addition to the fine workmanship, the artist of the sculpture has carefully chosen the color of stone to match the color of human bone. Just like human bones that last for thousands of years, the dramatic, hard, dense stone skull seems to defy the passage of time, wanting to last forever. This realistic depiction of a skull reminds people of the natural event of death and the eternal afterlife that awaits humanity.   « Less

Zoomorphic Effigy Vessel - PF.3458, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. This charming effigy  More »

Zoomorphic Effigy Vessel - PF.3458, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 5" (12.7cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. This charming effigy of a fox is a perfect example of the amazing craftsmanship that was developed in Costa Rica. Lying down peacefully, yet attentive, the figure gives us the same feeling of contentment and security that a dog would give us. His beautiful coloring adds to his presence and demonstrates that some pieces can withstand the ravages of time. The piece is created in a variety of colors. The body of the animal is done in a red slip and black decoration is added. The red is a deep russet color, completely untouched by time. The tail is done in a beige slip and then decorated with brown. This type of fore thought shows that the artist was highly interested in promoting a realistic image. For us, this idea helps us to understand the person behind the object and thus a quick view into a world long since gone.   « Less

Stone Sculpture of a Coiled Snake - PF.4043a, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Stone. The snake is  More »

Stone Sculpture of a Coiled Snake - PF.4043a, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 500 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Stone. The snake is considered to be one of the most powerful creatures on this earth, and many cultures revere the animal. This beautiful sculpture demonstrates this type of reverence and respect. The sculpture has been carefully carved and the green stone has been polished smooth, giving it a beautiful uniformity in its design. The head of the snake rests comfortably on the top and in the center of the piece. The top of the head has been diligently carved, created a diamond motif at the top. The artist has also carved the nostrils, eyes, mouth and forked tongue, lending a truly realistic quality to the snake. With its smoothness comes an added three-dimensionality with the natural coloration of the stone, replacing the scale design on the snake. As a whole, the artist successfully completed a graceful sculpture of a culturally revered animal, known for its power and cunning. The permanence of stone eternalizes the image, allowing the piece to remain timeless.   « Less

Stone Pectoral Mask - PF.4647, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Stone. For many cultures around the  More »

Stone Pectoral Mask - PF.4647, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Stone. For many cultures around the world, (ancient and modern), the mask serves as a medium between physical reality and the realm of spirits. The person who wears a mask, either on their face or hanging around the neck, can be in contact with ancestors or other spirits, and the mask serves to protect the wearer. During rituals, masks were seen as the 'conduit' for spirits to make themselves manifest. This lovely mask is intended to the wearer as an ornament around the neck or chest, evidenced by the double holes on both sides. The near perfect holes for eyes gives it a penetrating expression, enhanced by the slightly open mouth. Since religious ceremonies were the time when masks were 'animated' by spirits, a sense of possession or intoxication would have followed while priests went into trance. A trance-like state is clearly seen on this mask, and suggests a priest may have worn it during a ceremony where supernatural powers were invoked. The natural coloration of the stone, with its rich amber and light tan striated by black veins, lends greater mystery; and at the same time, adds a human quality as well.   « Less

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.485, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.485, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.486, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.486, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3.25" (8.3cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.487, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.

Terracotta Roller Seal - SP.487, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 3" (7.6cm) high x 1.5" (3.8cm) depth, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta.   « Less