Colima Terracotta Figurine

Pre-Columbian era, Comala phase, Tuxcacuesco-Ortices-type, c. 200BC-300AD, Colima, Western Mexico.

Fantastic Colima terracotta figure of old woman carrying a round pot on her shoulders belongs to the substyle know as Tuxcacuesco-Ortices. The majority of figures attributed to Colima area belong to the Comala phase, which dates between approximately 200BC to 300AD. Human representations include hunchbacks and dwarfs, musicians playing a variety of instruments, and males holding bowls. Women are rarely depicted. The ceramics of Colima represent a wider diversity of themes and shapes than those of Jalisco and Nayarit, but there is less variety in style. Some substyles, such as Autlan, Coahuayana, Pihuamo, El Chanal, Los Ortices, are distinctively different, but all maintain the general features of compactness of sculpture, smoothly burnished finish and minimal use of color; unlike Jalisco and Nayarit.

Figure are covered in orange red slip. Bulky torso with small globular breasts and thick neck. Head is naturalistic and covered with band or headdress. Long nose, pursed lips and characteristic oval "coffee bean" eyes. Good condition. Age-related wear and minimal abrasion. Intact. Encrustation. Size approx. 13,8cm x 5,6cm x 7,5cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection