One of the most exciting Pre-Columbian art
styles belongs to the ancient artisans of the
pacific region of Mexico that lies in the shadow
of the 13,000-foot-high volcano, "Colima." The
Colima artists' realistic clay modeling of a wide
variety of human, animal and plant forms
evidences cultural ties with similar Ecuadorian
pottery traditions. However, through the course
of time the Colima artists developed their own
distinctive style, a unique example of which can
be seen in this sculpted male shaman-warrior,
dancing figure. Posed in a wide-legged stance,
the shaman/warrior holds his arms out in front
of him, his hands grasping what may be small
rattles. His elaborate body costume includes leg
and wristbands, beaded armbands and an
elaborate beaded necklace that wraps elaborately
around his neck and upper torso. Subtle ear
spools, a nose ornament and cap held on by a
chinstrap serve to embellish his face. However,
his face all but disappears when the shaman's
dramatic headdress-mask is positioned on his
head. Immediately commanding one’s attention,
this crocodilian mask has a long snout complete
with fearsome teeth. Beady eyes stare out at us,
while large stylized ears spring from the top of
the headdress. A huge crescent feather helmet
crowns the center of this piece, completing the
startling overall effect. We have only to gaze at
this masked dancer to immediately sense his
age-old power and spirited energy. A spark of
the imagination sets his body in rhythmic
motion--the sounds of the rattles, beads and his
hypnotic voice echoing across the ages,
capturing us forever in his magnetic spell.
- (PF.2409)
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