Colima Figure of a Warrior, El Chanal, Late Postclassic, circa AD 1250 - 1521

André Emmerich, New York

Mira Godard, Toronto, acquired from the above

Sotheby's, New York, May 16, 1995, lot 134, consigned by the above

Acquired at the above auction

This highly energized depiction of a warrior figure holding a short spear and shield is part of an important genre of Postclassic figures from the northern Colima region. These figures, distinguished by seating on the round lattice work stool ( known as equipales), were first studied by the Norwegian explorer Carl Lumholtz in 1902 during his important encounters with the Huichol and Cora Indians. Being elevated on a seat off the ground is a well-recognized sign of status and authority; round stools, as opposed to rectangular seats, were noted as furniture for shamans and seats of divine power.

The Lazar figure holds the weapon and shield at the ready. His rounded face has the characteristic rimmed circular eyes set far apart, nostrils flared in inhalation, and his open mouth showing his teeth. He wears a loincloth, depicted at both the front and back and decorated with a wide, meandering design, and a tightly beaded and crested cap. His barrel-shaped body has a large flaring spout rising at the back.

For examples of the El Chanal figures see Elizabeth Kennedy Easby and John Scott, eds., Before Cortes: Sculpture of Middle America, New York, 1971, p. 286, fig. 264; see also Sotheby’s, New York, November 13, 2017, lots 43 and 44 for the figures from the collection of Edwin and Cherie Silver.