Mesoamerican Toltec Basalt Birthing Figure

Post-Classical Period, 10th-12th century AD. A carved basalt figure of a nude female crouching with hands holding her hips, giving birth to an infant whose head appears between her thighs; ribbed hairstyle with transverse band, inset calcium panels to the eyes and earrings. See Smith, B., Mexico. A History in Art, Mexico, 1979. 6.6 kg, 23cm (9"). Property of an Italian collector living in Torino; part of her family's collection since 1965; by descent from her grandmother in 1993; accompanied by a copy of the Italian export permit, an academic report by Emilio J. Bejarano Erosa (Director of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico, 1968-1982); and a eleven page positive scientific report from Adamantio srl of Torino, Italy; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.160875-10105.[A video of this lot is available on TimeLine Auctions website]
Condition Report: Fine condition. Extremely rare.