Pre-Columbian Colima Pottery Drinker Figure
West Mexico, Colima Culture, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE–250 CE

Height: 9 3/8 in. (23.8 cm)

A finely modeled red-slipped pottery figure depicting a seated individual holding a drinking bowl that serves as the vessel's spout. The expressive facial features, rounded forms, and naturalistic posture exemplify the celebrated sculptural tradition of the Colima culture, renowned for its lively representations of people, animals, and scenes from daily life. The hollow body functions as the liquid chamber, combining artistic refinement with practical design.

Vessels of this type were created for ceremonial and funerary use, reflecting the Colima belief in providing offerings and essential objects for the afterlife. The figure retains an attractive red slip with scattered mineral deposits and surface wear consistent with long burial. 

Provenance: Ex. Kevin Martin Collection, Florida; Ex. Private Florida Collection; Ex. Gregg Manning Galleries (formerly Harmer Rooke Galleries), June 22, 1996, Lot 3377.