{"product_id":"pre-columbian-jalisco-seated-figure-with-death-bubble","title":"Pre-Columbian Jalisco Seated Figure with “Death Bubble”","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-Columbian Jalisco Seated Figure with “Death Bubble”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtoclassic Period, ca. 100 BC–AD 250\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWestern Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJalisco pottery figure depicting a seated male\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, modeled in the characteristic sculptural tradition of ancient West Mexico. The figure assumes a compact seated posture with the knees raised and spread, while elongated arms extend forward and rest prominently upon the knees. Carefully modeled fingers and toes, broad shoulders, and an expressive face give the figure a particularly animated presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost remarkable is the figure’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epronounced swelling or “death bubble” projecting from the mouth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an unusual feature encountered on certain West Mexican ceramic figures and commonly interpreted in the antiquities trade as imagery associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edeath, illness, or the transition into the afterlife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The dramatically protruding mouth contrasts with the otherwise naturalistic treatment of the face, emphasizing this unusual iconographic element.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe head displays an elongated nose, almond-shaped eyes, prominent ears, and an incised coiffure or head covering. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraces of red-orange pigment remain visible\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly on the nose and knees, while darker mineral deposits and surface variation contribute to the figure’s archaeological character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJalisco ceramic sculpture formed an important component of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshaft-tomb funerary tradition of ancient West Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Human figures were deposited in tombs alongside vessels, animals, architectural models, and other sculptures, apparently reflecting aspects of identity, ceremony, daily life, and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrivate collection, Hudson Valley, New York;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJMW Auction, New York.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly expressive example of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eancient Jalisco figural pottery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, notable for its unusual “death bubble” imagery, imposing seated posture, carefully articulated extremities, surviving pigment, and strong sculptural presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54220214501673,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/CFE5F8CF-A4EE-45D3-8D6F-1B6566A0A155.jpg?v=1790164358","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/es\/products\/pre-columbian-jalisco-seated-figure-with-death-bubble","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}