A Nayarit Standing Couple, Ixtlán del Rio style, Protoclassic, ca. 100 B.C-A.D. 250

the lively, animated family with an infant nursing at the female's right shoulder, supporting a knobbed jar on her head and each figure holding a vessel on the shoulder, distinguished by detailed, brightly painted matching clothing of step/scroll patterned skirt and tunic, arm and leg bands, patterned headbands, and jewelry, with whitened eyes and well defined teeth. 

American Private Collection, (Sotheby Parke-Bernet, New York, November 14,1973, lot 232, illus.)

Both excellent condition, female intact , may have some repair on bowl /spout on top of head, but details of earrings, infant, bowl on shoulder - all wonderful . Male- similarly excellent, intact, some fading on his back of the tunic design but overall excellent details, form and coloring.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This couple is notable for the densely patterned bright clothing and shared ornamentation. They are a family in the prime of life. They each hold bowls which were important accoutrements of daily life, and significant as feasting vessels in the afterlife. Such 'marriage couples' celebrate the primordial union of male and female forces.