A Superb Colima Shaman...

Description

A Superb Colima Shaman
West Mexico, c. 250 BC - 250 AD

Hollow earthenware effigy vessel with burnished red-brown and dark brown slips. The wide-bodied figure is seated with his legs raised, each leg with two semicircular flanges. He wears a wide belt across his chest and a tapering apron or loin cloth beneath. Slung over his proper right shoulder and hanging to his left is a small textile or basketry bag. He holds a horn shaped object in his left hand and a bulbous object in his right. Figures like this are said to be wearing ceramic masks of a type that have been found in this region, and indeed the face of this looks very mask like, with indentations at the eyes for inlay of shell or some other material now missing. The mask is framed by a tasseled band, and he wears peaked cap with a wide flange at the back. Depicted on his back is a bag or net -- suspended there by straps over his shoulders -- which also functions as the spout of the vessel. Appears to be in excellent, intact condition, no repairs or restorations. This is a terrific example of a mysterious type of figure from the ancient culture located in Colima, West Mexico.

Provenance:
Tim Misenhimer, Hollywood, CA

Height: 11 ½ inches



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