PAIR OF VERACRUZ POTTERY HEAD FRAGMENTS, POSSIBLY REPRESENTING XIPE TOTEC

Central Veracruz, Late Classic Period, circa A.D. 600–900
Each approximately 5 in x 5 1/8"
Mounted together on a custom double display base

A compelling pair of terracotta heads modeled with the bold, expressive realism characteristic of Classic Veracruz sculpture. Each shows a broad headdress, large ear ornaments, and deeply modeled facial features with hollowed eye sockets, as though the eyes themselves have fallen away — a dramatic rendering that evokes both mortality and renewal.

This haunting motif likely represents the flayed or transformed visage of Xipe Totec, the Flayed Lord, deity of regeneration and agricultural renewal. In this context, the empty eye sockets may symbolize the removal of the outer “skin” or mask of the old self, revealing the divine rebirth beneath. The open mouths and paired presentation further reinforce themes of transformation, duality, and sacred suffering central to Veracruz ritual art.

Comparable examples appear among Veracruz temple façade figures and Remojadas effigies associated with fertility and rebirth rites. The present pair’s mirroring forms suggest a ritual or architectural context, possibly representing dual aspects of a single divine force.

Condition: Both fragments with surface weathering, encrustations, manganese deposits and minor losses consistent with age. Custom double wood base for display.

Provenance: Ex. Abell Auction, Los Angeles, California
Ex. Important Private Southern California Estate