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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Colima Art : Colima Sculpture of an Acrobat
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Colima Sculpture of an Acrobat - PF.3282
Origin: Western Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
2.75" (7.0cm) high
x 2.875" (7.3cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Colima
Medium: Terracotta
£6,000.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
In his triumphal acts of dance and extraordinary
flexibility, the acrobat becomes a ritual
entertainer for the gods and the Ancient
audience, as well. The acrobat depicted here has
his legs arching over his head, as if alluding to
the almost miraculous, sinuous contortions of a
serpent. This fascination with acrobatic
contortionists appears as early as the Olmecs. A
fine representation of an acrobat grasping his
feet appears on a late Olmec relief reportedly
from the south coast of Guatemala. This
delightful sculpture reveals to us an intimate
representation of the acts that may have taken
place during rituals and significant ceremonies.
The ear spools and elaborate headband leads us
to believe that this acrobat may have had royal
status. His expression portrays a meditative
trance by the half-closure of the eyes and the
upturned mouth is reminiscent of a blissful
smile. We are drawn again and again through this
composition, compelled to pleasantly remember
the acrobatic performances we once displayed in
our own childhood.
- (PF.3282)
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