{"product_id":"pre-columbian-nayarit-standing-female-figure-west-mexico-circa-300-bce-300-ce","title":"Pre-Columbian Nayarit Standing Female Figure – West Mexico, circa 300 BCE – 300 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn impressive and highly sculptural Pre-Columbian Nayarit terracotta standing female figure from the celebrated shaft tomb traditions of West Mexico, dating to approximately 300 BCE – 300 CE. Standing 13 inches in height, this is a large and commanding example that displays the powerful, compact modeling and expressive naturalism that have made Nayarit ceramic sculpture among the most sought-after forms of ancient American art.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe figure is portrayed in a frontal stance with broad shoulders, slightly bent arms, and firmly planted feet — a posture that conveys groundedness and authority. Her commanding visage is defined by deeply modeled eyes, a prominent nose, parted lips exposing carefully incised teeth, and a distinctive flat-topped headdress. Traces of the original red pigment remain across the lower torso, adding warmth and visual depth to the naturally burnished earthenware surface and confirming the figure’s original polychrome decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eNayarit Shaft Tomb Figures\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe shaft tomb cultures of West Mexico — centered in the modern states of Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima — produced some of the most inventive and expressive ceramic sculpture in the ancient Americas. Nayarit figures are distinguished from their Jalisco and Colima counterparts by their bold, frontal compositions, vivid polychrome surfaces, and a quality of direct, unidealized naturalism that gives them an immediate and powerful presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNayarit figures such as this were created for placement within elaborate shaft tombs, serving as representations of ancestors, elite individuals, or participants in ceremonial life. Their bold sculptural quality and timeless aesthetic have made them favorites of collectors and institutions worldwide. Major examples are held in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, and the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge, intact Nayarit standing figures are increasingly difficult to find on the market, particularly examples retaining strong facial modeling, substantial original surfaces, and traces of original pigment. The scale, imposing presence, and excellent overall preservation of this figure make it an exceptional display piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eArtwork Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nayarit, West Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protoclassic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 300 BCE – 300 CE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-formed terracotta with traces of original red pigment\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13 in\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrivate Houston collection; old gallery price tag present on the verso.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery good ancient condition. Professional repair to the left foot. Otherwise intact with expected surface wear, mineral deposits, and age-related abrasions consistent with antiquity. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pre-Columbian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53225616146799,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/6967\/5375\/files\/s-l1600-86.png?v=1784475051","url":"https:\/\/www.lybrothersfineart.com\/products\/pre-columbian-nayarit-standing-female-figure-west-mexico-circa-300-bce-300-ce","provider":"L\/Y Brothers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}