A terracotta salmon-buff colour solid pottery standing male figure with an elongated head, wearing a fancy head covering with extensions, which cover the ears and extend to the shoulders, and a loin cloth with pouches at the side. Of Tuxcacuesco-Ortices type.Supplied with a custom metal base.
 
Pre-Columbian West Mexico, Colima culture: Circa 100 BC - 250 AD.
 
Very Fine condition: A few scattered mineral deposits on the surface.
Height 12 cms (4.25 ins).
 
Provenance: The Lands Beyond Gallery, NYC., inv. #s:137-7-BX, 68-20-BX & 5559, acquired 1990's.
 
Colima terracottas are primarily known from grave goods found in shaft tombs, suggesting a deep connection to ritual and the afterlife. Their placement in tombs indicates they were meant to accompany the dead, maybe 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 Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Art - the human focus