Male figure from the Colima culture; west coast... Lot 17

Male figure from the Colima culture; west coast of Mexico, ca. 200 BC. - AD 200. Patinated and sgraffito terracotta. Provenance: private collection in Barcelona, acquired at an antique dealers' fair. Measurements: 34 x 16 cm. Figure colima in patinated terracotta, with sgraffito details, representing a seated male personage, with his legs bent and his hands resting on his knees. The head is notable for its detail and size, and is characterised by the bulging, narrow eyes, the straight, triangular nose, and the large, half-open mouth. The Colima culture developed in northwestern Mexico between 200 BC and 500 AD on a coastline of natural features, a humid climate and abundant flora and fauna. They were an agricultural people who spent much of their time performing religious rites and ceremonies. Most of the archaeological remains found are from or have some connection with the tombs of important religious and political figures. Within their artistic production, the most abundant are ceramic pieces, both for use as well as rituals and statuettes. These are objects made of red clay, sometimes decorated with white and orange pigments.