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Large Pre-Columbian Nayarit Warrior, 100 BC

$11,200List Price

About the Item

A well provenanced, large and imposing ancient pre-Columbian Nayarit terracotta figure of a warrior, dating to the Proto-Classic period, 100 BC – 250 AD. The standing male figure is shown naked, coloured with a deep ochre pigment and wearing only a series of arm rings, prominent belt and pointed cap. Supported on enormous claw-like feet, the broad, square torso imbues him with the physical makeup of a warrior. One arm is raised brandishing a club, the other extended slightly forward and bent at the elbow, holding a small shield. The head is marked by sunken almond eyes, a prominent nose and parted lips revealing large grinding teeth. The ears and nose are pierced with multiple rings, a painted necklace is also present. The staring eyes are disturbing and discordant, yet almost impossible to tear away from. An overpowering wrath bleeds from the very fabric of this striking warrior. There is something visceral in his bearing, defying reason, he appears in a seemingly trance-like fury, speaking to a very ancient place inside our psyche. Nayarit figures form part of the mysterious shaft tomb culture of ancient western Mexico, displaying all aspects ancient life, from ritual ceremonies to grand feasts, warriors to simple family scenes. While the subject matter was relatively consistent throughout the entire region, style distinctions are present. This figure is of Nayarit's Ixtlán del Río style, the westernmost of all Nayarit sites, which is characterized by highly stylized facial features and thick, stocky limbs. Little is known about ancient Nayarit life beyond these enigmatic figures and the society itself remains a mystery. The discordant facial expressions of figures such as this have in some quarters been advanced as evidence of shamanism. Haunting and intense, their true identity remains lost in the distant, unknown past. Height: 27 ½ inches. Condition: Very good, minor restoration throughout, including to right arm and foot, one toe missing (as shown), head reattached. Beautiful pigment preservation, overall good for an ancient figure of this size. Exhibited: Princeton, Princeton University Art Museum, The Stanley J. Seeger Jr. Collection, 1961, no.159, illustrated. Published: Kelleher, P.J. 1961. The Stanley J. Seeger Jr. Collection. Princeton University Press: Princeton. Provenance: From the collection of Mr S. Seeger. Mr Seeger was a well-known art collector with a keen eye and ample financial means. This piece was exhibited, along with other examples of his Pre-Columbian art, at Princeton University in 1961. The following quote is from the exhibition catalogue, scans of which can be provided to the new owner upon request: "Especially choice, also, in the collection is a remarkable group of Pre Columbian sculptures purchased by Mr Seeger from the distinguished collection of the late Keith Warner." Kelleher et al., The S.J. Seeger collection, Princeton, 1961. Inside jacket cover.

Dimensions:
Height: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Diameter: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
100 BC
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU105223521182

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