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Expressive and Massive Xantil Figure, Ex Sotheby's browse these categories for related items... Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian: Sculpture: Pre AD 1000: item # 751537 Please refer to our stock # RESP08-05 when inquiring. Traders Of The Lost Art PO Box 12764 Lahaina, HI 96761 Guest Book $11995, sale $9995 |
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| During the last few centuries before the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the people in the Tehuacán Valley in the southeast corner of the state of Puebla near Oaxaca produced unusual ceramics. Many of these artifacts were constructed for holding incense, which most commonly was a tree resin widely called copal, and when burnt it yielded abundant smoke. Tehuacán censer covers were known as xantiles, and are in the form of seated human figures with tubelike arms and legs, and a modeled head attached to the hollow, cylindrical body. The rising smoke escaped through the open mouth of many of these figures, and was a means of communicating with the gods. This figure is amply decorated with finely painted remains and wears prominent ear ornaments. The rosettes with tassels on either side of the head suggest that Macuilxochitl-Xochipilli, god of music, dance, feasting, and sexuality, is depicted. Ancient pre-Columbian cultures showed an intense interest in invoking the senses, especially hearing, sight, and smell. The senses were flagged by graphic devices of synaesthetic or cross-sensory intent; writing and speech scrolls triggered sound, sightlines the acts and consequences of seeing, and flowery ornament indicated both scent and soul essence. As conceived anciently, the senses were projective and procreative, involving the notion of unity and shared essence in material and incorporeal realms. "Xantil" is a common term for the type of large censer shown here. This hollow figure has an open mouth and when copal incense was burned inside the hollow body, the smoke must have crept out the mouth; creating a curious and stunning effect. This very large hollow pottery figure (note photo with soup can for size comparison) is seated on haunches and having spindly legs with arms having forearms resting on the knees, Face bears open, wide mouth, pointed, but realistic nose, lightly sunken eyes having traces of blue, black and white pigment, flanked by large ear spools and openwork headdress. Low relief necklace and bracelets, remnants of red, blue, yellow and white pigment over the grayish pottery ground. Head, legs and arms reattached, several repaired breaks throughout and a few restored sections, especially at the lower left hip. Impressive size, 26-1/2" H, ca AD 900-1200. This piece is also very heavy. | |
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