On a week filled with a lot of wonderful, very singular faces and postures, this may be my favorite of all--traveling across centuries to stare right into my soul! This clay figure is pre-Columbian, I am quite sure from the Nayarit culture that developed in Western Mexico during the "proto classic" period, and which I am also quite sure is of the type described commonly as "Chinesco" (the term was inspired by the unintended similarity of the faces on these figurines to the Chinese.) And she, a female/fertility figure it appears, with typical red clay body and white painted decoration, is specifically representative of what has been classified as "a Type C" figure (there are five classifications, A to E, corresponding to certain attributes and degree of realism) with heart-shaped faces particularly characteristic of the "C" type, dating. 200 B.C. – 300 A.D.
While I am always amazed to be able to hold something ancient in my hands, and even more so to become its temporary caretaker, what amazes me even more is how utterly alive, contemporary feeling, and completely, relatably, human an ancient figure like this can feel. In this case, for me, perhaps most of all it is the forward-stretching-neck, shoulder-slumping posture that completely animates her, as if ever inquisitive but also as if that large heart of a head were a whole lot to carry! Love love love. Purchased from a treasure-filled antique shop in Vermont, one of the two owners of which has a particular passion for antiquities.
4 1/8" t x 1 1/2" w not including stand--which is included. As found--repairs as evident to neck and one leg, and it looks like a bit of glue residue to underside of the feet, I imagine once adhered to a base. Completely stable and not fragile now, though of course one wants to take care with her!
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