Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerica, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. An amazing blackware jar with rich, fascinating iconography. A crouched figure sits with spindly knees drawn up; there is little suggestion of arms, but incised lines on the shoulders seem to indicate fingers, as if the figure is hugging itself. The head is bulbous, with a jutting, beak-like snout and long, aquiline nose; the eyes are deep set under heavy brows. Large, round ears project from either side of the head. Size: 5.2" L x 4.25" W x 6.15" H (13.2 cm x 10.8 cm x 15.6 cm)

On the back, the fingers seem to flow into short wings; a broad band of tail feathers projects from the lower back. The figure depicted is caught in a magical, transformational state, retaining some human characteristics despite its fantastical details. This probably depicts a shaman or god, and was made to hold offerings in a tomb.

Provenance: Ex-private Florida collection acquired at Arte Primitivo Gallery

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#120397

Neck has been repaired, but repairs are well done and difficult to see.