Pre-Columbian Nayarit San Sebastián Pottery Figure
Western Mexico, ca. 100 BCE–250 CE
Height: 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm)

Large and impressive hollow pottery figure from the San Sebastián tradition of ancient Nayarit, depicting a standing female figure with hands resting upon the abdomen. The figure wears a distinctive headdress, circular ear ornaments, and a neck collar, while retaining traces of red slip and darker mineralized surface deposits developed over centuries of burial. The elongated facial features and robust form are characteristic of the sculptural traditions of western Mexico during the Late Formative and Early Classic periods.

The surface exhibits attractive age-related wear, mineral encrustation, and burial accretions consistent with long-term interment. A substantial example of Nayarit ceramic artistry, displaying strong visual presence and excellent scale for display.

Provenance:
Ex Nye & Company, New Jersey.
Ex Private New Jersey Collection.

A striking and highly decorative example of ancient West Mexican ceramic sculpture.