Veracruz Remojadas Sonriente Smiling Figure, Raised Arms, ex-Bonham's

拍品描述

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, Remojadas, ca. 250–950 CE. A hollow pottery figure of a smiling male, one of the "sonrientes" of Gulf Coast Veracruz. He stands with his legs apart and his pot belly pushed forward, and both arms are raised with open palms facing the viewer. His broad grin shows two prominent front teeth, and wrinkle lines run across both cheeks. He wears a trapezoidal headdress with pointed side flaps, ear ornaments, and a necklace of large round beads. A breechcloth crosses his hips, and its front panel carries a scrolling emblem. The surface is burnished buff to salmon, and remains of white pigment pick out the eyes, teeth, and costume details. The raised-arm gesture may show dance or celebration, though how these figures were used is still uncertain. Size: 13.3" H x 8.75" L x 3" W (33.8 cm H x 22.2 cm L x 7.6 cm W); Size on included custom stand: 16" H (40.6 cm H). Sonrientes, Spanish for "smiling ones," are among the best-known ceramic figures of Classic period central Veracruz. Many come from the Remojadas region and from sites like Nopiloa and Los Cerros. Their faces were often pressed from molds, and the bodies and costumes were then finished by hand, so each figure looks individual even though the type is consistent. The headdresses and breechcloths often carry stamped or incised emblems whose meaning is not yet understood. Why these figures smile is still debated. Some scholars see them as dancers or performers at festivals. Others link them to ritual intoxication or offerings, and some connect them to deities of music, flowers, and pleasure. None of these readings has been proven. The figures are among the rare cases in ancient American art where open, toothy happiness was the main subject. SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item #205630

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