West Mexico, Jalisco Culture

Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE – 250 CE

Height: 5 3/8 inches

Provenance: Ex-Auction at Showplace, New York; acquired from a Private New York Collection. Old collection tag on reverse dated 1964.

A finely sculpted seated pottery figure from the Jalisco region of West Mexico, depicted in a dynamic crouching posture with one arm resting on the knee and the other bent across the torso.

The figure displays characteristic Jalisco features: an elongated projecting nose, applied facial elements, incised eyes, and a banded headdress with textured detailing. The body is decorated in red slip with buff areas and retains areas of blackened mineral deposits consistent with burial context.

The torso is carefully modeled with applied shoulder ornaments and a necklace rendered in relief. The expressive face and asymmetrical pose give the piece notable vitality and presence.

An old paper label affixed to the back bears a handwritten date of 1964, supporting mid-20th century collection history.

Overall intact with expected age-related wear, surface abrasions, and minor loss consistent with antiquity.

A classic and expressive example of West Mexican shaft tomb ceramic sculpture.