Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Figure with Bitumen Highlights
Veracruz culture, Gulf Coast of Mexico, ca. 600 – 900 CE
Height: 4 3/8 in (11.1 cm) – Custom metal display stand included

A finely sculpted pottery figure from the Classic Veracruz culture, depicting a standing male or possibly gender-neutral individual in a dynamic forward posture. The figure is modeled with exaggerated anatomical features — notably a prominent, elongated nose, wide eyes beneath heavy brows, and pierced ears for ornaments. Distinctive black bitumen pigment remains visible across the face, shoulder, and legs, reflecting ceremonial body painting or symbolic markings commonly associated with Veracruz ritual art.

The figure wears a wrap-style skirt tied around the waist and a headband or turban-like headdress, emphasizing elite or ceremonial status. Its expressive face and alert stance suggest the representation of an ancestor, priest, or participant in ritual performance, central to Veracruz cosmology and funerary belief systems.

The piece displays ancient losses to both forearms but retains excellent surface detail with mineral deposits and root marks from long burial. Mounted on a custom metal stand for elegant presentation.

Provenance:
Ex Leigh Fincher, Florida collection, acquired on the U.S. art market in the mid-20th century.