|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Veracruz Art : Remojadas Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head
|
 |
|
|
|
Remojadas Sculptural Fragment of a Smiling Head - PF.3095
Origin: Veracruz, Mexico
Circa: 250
AD
to 600
AD
Dimensions:
4.25" (10.8cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$5,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This extraordinary sculpture of a young boy's
smiling face captures viewers' eyes in an instant.
The clay sculpture of a small head shows
triangular flathead with two small holes on each
side. The eyes appear to be almost closed and
the mouth is open due to the big smile. Intricate
detail is evident in the portrayal of teeth and
tongue. Such smiling face sculptures date back
to early classical period in Vera Cruz. They
usually show children standing or sitting down,
and their faces are triangular and flattened
towards the top. In these sculptures, children
smile or seem to want to hide their laughter with
natural gesture. One hypothesis is that they
represent sacrificial victims who were ritually
intoxicated before putting to death. To our
surprise, behind this seemingly innocent smiling
face is a tale of human sacrifice. Ancient Meso-
Americans usually chose perfect young men for
their sacrificial rituals and such impeccable
beauty is clearly portrayed in this delicate
sculpture.
- (PF.3095)
|
| |
|
