West Mexico, Nayarit Culture

Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE – 250 CE

Height: 5 1/4 inches

Provenance: Ex-Auction at Showplace, New York; acquired from a Private New York Collection

A finely modeled standing pottery figure from the Nayarit culture of West Mexico, depicted in a frontal stance with arms bent and resting across the torso. The figure stands on short, rounded legs with a broad, compact body and pronounced chest.

The head features a characteristic flattened cap-like headdress, large applied ears, and a prominent projecting nose. The simplified facial features and solid, volumetric form are consistent with shaft tomb figures from Nayarit.

The surface retains areas of red slip with dark mineral deposits and strong earthen encrustation, indicative of burial context. Overall intact with expected age-related wear and surface weathering.

A classic and authentic example of West Mexican funerary ceramic sculpture.