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LOT 0115A

Veracruz Pottery Seated Figural Incensario

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Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. An impressive, hand built terracotta incensario, finely rendered as a seated figure with remarkably naturalistic features. The head is wonderfully modeled with large almond-shaped eyes, an arched browline above, a severely curved nose (almost hook-like as if it was broken at one time), an open mouth with parted fleshy lips so as to reveal two filed teeth, stretched earlobes that are pierced for decorating with ornaments such as feathers, and a centrally parted caplike coiffure. He sits cross-legged and in a relaxed manner, with hands resting upon his knees, nude save his loincloth, bracelets, and choker.Size: 6.75" W x 9.55" H (17.1 cm x 24.3 cm)

Excavations near the modern Mexican town of Remojadas have revealed two types of impressive, detailed pottery figures from the Veracruz period: the Sonrientes, the joyous "smiling faces", and figures like this one, more serious, mostly adult figures. This example, however, is unusual in that the man is not wearing an elaborate costume or joined by accoutrements. Instead, his magnificense stems from the fact that he serves as an incensario which was likely used for religious or political ceremonies.

Incense played a major role in religious practice in Mesoamerica, from the Olmec period onward. Incensarios have been found in many tombs of the region, and scholars believe they were used in ceremonies by the living. Incense was made from copal, tree resin from the torchwood tree. By burning copal, Mesoamerican priests made an offering to the gods. For example, we know that during an Aztec ceremony for the god Huitzilopochtli, the hummingbird god of war, priests hoped that their prayers would be carried upward along with the wafting smoke and scent.

Provenance: ex-private collection of the late Father Bader, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA; exhibited in the University of St. Thomas Art Gallery, acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#154263
Condition Report: Repaired from about 8 to 10 pieces with losses in the vicinity of the break lines as shown. Part of the skirt is also lost. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Scattered deposits grace the surface.

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[ translate ]

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. An impressive, hand built terracotta incensario, finely rendered as a seated figure with remarkably naturalistic features. The head is wonderfully modeled with large almond-shaped eyes, an arched browline above, a severely curved nose (almost hook-like as if it was broken at one time), an open mouth with parted fleshy lips so as to reveal two filed teeth, stretched earlobes that are pierced for decorating with ornaments such as feathers, and a centrally parted caplike coiffure. He sits cross-legged and in a relaxed manner, with hands resting upon his knees, nude save his loincloth, bracelets, and choker.Size: 6.75" W x 9.55" H (17.1 cm x 24.3 cm)

Excavations near the modern Mexican town of Remojadas have revealed two types of impressive, detailed pottery figures from the Veracruz period: the Sonrientes, the joyous "smiling faces", and figures like this one, more serious, mostly adult figures. This example, however, is unusual in that the man is not wearing an elaborate costume or joined by accoutrements. Instead, his magnificense stems from the fact that he serves as an incensario which was likely used for religious or political ceremonies.

Incense played a major role in religious practice in Mesoamerica, from the Olmec period onward. Incensarios have been found in many tombs of the region, and scholars believe they were used in ceremonies by the living. Incense was made from copal, tree resin from the torchwood tree. By burning copal, Mesoamerican priests made an offering to the gods. For example, we know that during an Aztec ceremony for the god Huitzilopochtli, the hummingbird god of war, priests hoped that their prayers would be carried upward along with the wafting smoke and scent.

Provenance: ex-private collection of the late Father Bader, University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA; exhibited in the University of St. Thomas Art Gallery, acquired prior to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#154263
Condition Report: Repaired from about 8 to 10 pieces with losses in the vicinity of the break lines as shown. Part of the skirt is also lost. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Scattered deposits grace the surface.

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Sale price
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Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
09 Apr 2020
USA, Louisville, CO
Auction House
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