Jalisco Seated Shaman Holding a Bowl - PF.3510,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Seated Shaman Holding a Bowl - PF.3510,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Somber and dignified, this white-slipped figure is a magnificent sculpture of the Meso- American culture. The nose is long and thin, the mouth has a wide smile, as if it knows something that we do not. The voluptuous form of the well proportioned body is emphasized by the powerful shape of the back. He is caught in an action that looks as if he is about to drink from the bowl. This figure is most probably a shaman, who had special healing and supernatural powers in Meso-America. The round bowl in his lap suggests two different interpretations of this shaman's actions. Firstly, he may be the bearer of offerings to any number of ancient deities that were worshipped. He may also have been drinking from this bowl, and attempting to enter a drug-induced trance. On his headband are two objects that resemble the hallucinogenic Peyote. Either of these interpretations suggest this shaman's desire to get closer to a higher world. Perceived as having the power to appease the deities, this figure becomes the center of attention through his captivating beauty.   « Less

Jalisco Sculpture of a Seated Man Holding a Scepter and an Offering Bowl - PF.4368,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 2.25"  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Seated Man Holding a Scepter and an Offering Bowl - PF.4368,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. The artists of Jalisco are well known for creating objects with a very personal and natural quality. Their art is often of ordinary people, sometimes depicted working at domestic chores. The simplicity of design and occasional humorous touches are instantly endearing. This adorable character immediately engages us in conversation. He leans slightly to the side as if he hasn't quite heard what was said. Or perhaps, he is about to make a witty remark. Without a stitch of clothes on he is completely relaxed. A soft hat sits nonchalantly on his head with a tassel flowing down the back. He has such compassion in his eyes; he is like an old friend, a reliable buddy; and someone always willing to listen.   « Less

Jalisco Sculpture of a Seated Woman Holding a Bowl - PF.4371,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Seated Woman Holding a Bowl - PF.4371,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.25" (15.9cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. There are some character types that are universal and timeless, such as a woman in a domestic setting. This engaging lady seems to be saying, "Welcome to my kitchen"! We are immediately presented with a bowl, which she holds firmly with both hands. Perhaps it contains freshly washed beans or vegetables ready for the pot. Her cheerful expression invites us to have a bite for ourselves. This woman is a true matriarch and definitely in charge. With her breasts and waist bare, and a scarf or soft hat on her head, she is ready for some serious cooking!   « Less

Jalisco Sculpture of a Standing Man - PF.4372,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Standing Man - PF.4372,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) high x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. This fellow may well be a warrior. Everything about him speaks of a man ready for battle. His stance is solid and unwavering, his arms positioned so as to move easily in any direction. On the shoulders appear to be studs, perhaps representing ones worn for protection in battle; or scarification as a tribal attribute. A thin strip of cloth covers his genitals with two distinctive sashes shooting out to the sides over his thighs. At the back there is a beautiful triangle of cloth covering only the middle section, leaving the buttocks exposed. His attire is similar to what is worn on the beach today! The crowning glory is a marvelous headdress that is in two sections divided by a band with an ornament in the center. The top part extends slightly backwards giving the figure even greater stature and dignity. Anyone will feel safer having this fine male guard their home.   « Less

Jalisco Sculpture of a Standing Woman - PF.4374,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.125" (18.1cm) high x 3.875" (9.8cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Sculpture of a Standing Woman - PF.4374,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 7.125" (18.1cm) high x 3.875" (9.8cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Here is a very determined lady. She appears ready for confrontation, perhaps with the gods or a spouse! The attractive orange paint is very carefully applied to certain areas of her body. There is a band of color above her belly button that sweeps gently past her breast, over her shoulder and around her back. A provocative waistband divides off into two sections over her genitals and slashes down on the upper portion of her thighs. The lower portions of her arms and legs are also darkened, making her seem even more intimidating. Yet, it is in her face the true character comes through. A feeling of gentleness rests in the partially closed eyes. The mouth, slightly open, seems hesitant to speak. Despite her posture there is a sense of vulnerability about her. Perhaps she is not so tough after all!   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Standing Female - PF.4654,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Standing Female - PF.4654,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. This naked female is a virtual study in strength, defiance and confidence. She stands erect and firm as if prepared to face any obstacle or threat. Her basic features are of the Ameco Gray type, having an elongated face; wide-open eyes rimmed by thick fillets, large breasts with appliquéd nipples and clearly defined teeth. The impressive shoulder pellets are featured both on male and female figures and probably represents decoration rather than scarification. The wonderful headdress is also typical of this style, which flows elegantly from the high peak down to the shoulders. Instead of making her appear vulnerable, her nudity heightens her dramatic presence, as if she is impervious to any threat. She may represent a female shaman who is confronting supernatural forces. This would explain her being placed in a burial chamber where she could offer protection for the fledgling spirit of the deceased. Or, she may be an icon of fertility. Despite her dominant pose, she has a strong maternal aspect about her; seen especially in her eyes and slightly parted mouth. Her expression is both powerful and compassionate, offering warmth to all who are fortunate enough to come into her presence.   « Less

Jalisco Polychrome Sculpture of a Seated Warrior - PF.6055,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Polychrome Sculpture of a Seated Warrior - PF.6055,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 13" (33.0cm) high x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Although seated, this warrior remains fierce and ever vigilant with wide, open eyes. A suit of armor replete with painted red stripes covers his torso. The cylindrical armor completely disguises the contours of his shoulders. He brandishes a broad spear or club, again painted red. Yet, the main feature of this sculpture is his head, slightly elongated in typical Jalisco style. He wears a helmet with two small pointed horns similar to the ears of a feline. He wears red earrings that have been engraved with vertical parallel linear decorations and the area around his eyes is covered with black, somewhat reminiscent of a raccoon. Furthermore his septum is pieced, featuring a circular loop. All these details could very well symbolize his rank and order like pins and medals do today. Yet this warrior’s job was not to attack rival civilizations or to defend his home city; he served a greater purpose than the terrestrial battles that plague this world. This warrior was a defender of the afterlife, buried along the deceased to frighten away malevolent spirits. Thus, he will guard the tomb for all eternity, protecting the dead from the unknown evil we all fear. Perhaps this warrior can protect us in life as well as in death.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Sculpture of a Bedridden Child - PF.3885,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide,Collection:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Sculpture of a Bedridden Child - PF.3885,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) high x 4.5" (11.4cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta. Found lying together, this terracotta mother and child scene is one which could pull at the heart strings of anyone who came across it. The figure of the mother is a picture of pain and anguish. Larger than the image of her child, she towers over him, leaning against the bed posts. She clutches at her throat, as if she is choking from her own misery, as she looks down at her child. Her face is contorted to reveal her emotions and her teeth are shown resembling a gashing of teeth. As she looks down on her child, she sees him lying down and bound over the chest, arms and legs, prohibiting him from moving at all. The head is also restricted due to two blocks on either side of the head. The child may have been inflicted with the disease of epilepsy, causing him to be restrained in this manner. With this sort of realism, art takes on the task of evoking emotion, a vital part of life and even our own ortality.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Figurine of a Standing Woman - SP.496,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Figurine of a Standing Woman - SP.496,Origin: Jalisco, Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 6.75" (17.1cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less

Jalisco Terracotta Miniature Figure - SP.513,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Jalisco,Medium:  More »

Jalisco Terracotta Miniature Figure - SP.513,Origin: Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 1.25" (3.2cm) high,Collection: Pre-Columbian Art,Style: Jalisco,Medium: Terracotta.   « Less