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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Chinesco Style : Chinesco Style (Type D) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Seated Figure
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Chinesco Style (Type D) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Seated Figure - PF.4930
Origin: Nayarit, Mexico
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
5.25" (13.3cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$1,360.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Chinesco type is a major subgroup of
Nayarit, distinguished by heart-shaped heads,
subtle modeling and a high degree of realism.
This seated figure is naked, and though the sex
is not apparent, the face seems more masculine
than feminine. The short legs extend straight
outwards with the left attached to the left arm,
probably intended to serve as a handle. The
thumb of the right hand is placed inside the
mouth, while long fingers cover the right portion
of the chin and lower cheek. The head is the
most striking aspect--very narrow at the chin,
widening suddenly just above the ears to flare
out nearly beyond the shoulders. A wide
segmented band around the forehead separates
the burnished portion from the rougher non-
burnished area, and also gives the impression of
wearing a headdress. Nayarit figures are often
depicted in domestic scenes and humble
activities; in this case eating, or perhaps
partaking of substances used in ritual
ceremonies. The oval aperture suggests it might
have been designed to hold incense sticks, or
something similar to a candle. Whatever this
fellow's original function, he is as charming today
as he must have been centuries ago.
- (PF.4930)
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