A delightful figure of an acrobat in orange terracotta, which is also a functioning whistle with the hole to blow into cleverly hidden in his left arm. He is arched backwards perfectly supported on heels and hands. He has coffee-bean eyes and wears a loincloth, necklace, armbands, head and ear ornaments.
 
Pre-Columbian West Mexico Colima: Circa 100 BC to 250 AD.
 
Very Fine condition; good fabric, complete and intact with a minor ancient chip to left foot.
Length 10.7 cms (4.2 ins)
 
Provenance: US. private collection. Ex. Dr. David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950-s - 1960-s, collection.
 
Colima terracottas are primarily known from grave goods found in shaft tombs, suggesting a deep connection to ritual and the afterlife. These figures were most often placed in shaft tombs as funerary offerings. Their placement in tombs indicates they were meant to accompany the dead, providing companionship, protection, and provisions for their journey to the underworld. While often viewed as ritualistic, some figures also capture scenes of daily life, including people eating, drinking, or engaged in different activities.
 
See our blog post on Mesoamerica