This exceptional, life-size head fragment is executed in the Lagunillas, or Chinesco, type D tradition as cataloged by Hasso Von Winning. The delicate and subtle contours have been enhanced with a cream and red paint. Thin, painted lines in a slightly darker cream tone accent the face and recall a wood grain effect. From a monumental figure, the head alone measures 8"H x 6.50"W, and it has been custom mounted.
From the Shaft-Tomb region of Nayarit State, Mexico. 200 BCE- CE 300. It is ...click for details
The plump, spirited Viringo shown in a relaxed pose with small legs and paws held calmly together, and with caricatured facial features emphasized. This thin-walled, ceramic dog has been slipped in a red-orange color and has been painted with cream details. From the north central coast, Lambayeque Valley region of Peru, CE 1200-1450. About 6.75" x 6.75", in mint, intact condition. Provenance: Private Chicago collection since the 1970's.
The Huastec peoples are linguistically related to the Mayas, separated from the peninsular Mayan-speaking groups as early as the beginnings of the Olmec Horizon, circa BCE 1500. One, if not both of the two enigmatic, somewhat lifeless faces seen on this well-modeled and unusually elaborate Postclassic period ceramic may represent the Mesoamerican act of whistling to the storm gods as a petition for soaking rains. This same tradition is documented today in parts of Veracruz and in the Maya world ...click for details
