Fine Veracruz Figure of a Priestess Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

the sculpted face emerging from the flat plane of the outstretched huipil with her lowered almond-shaped eyes fixed in a cross-eyed stare, full lips parted revealing a filed tooth, the long-fingered hands pulling the knotted tassels at each side, her striated tresses cascading outward, and surmounted by a graduated tufted headband perhaps of short feathers, wearing thick double necklace and earrings, the tunic design on the lower half of stepped and scroll pattern resembling a stylized architectural form, the perimeter trimmed by small shell or bead adornments; with extensive areas of white and brown pigment.

Edward H. Merrin Gallery
Acquried from the above in 1970

New York, Edward H. Merrin Gallery, 50 Figures from a Site in Veracruz, March 2-21, 1970, cat. no. 21, illus.
New York, The Metropolitian Museum of Art, 1993-2010

Overall surface and color excellent, has been repaired on the flat tunic, all visible on reverse; 4-5 lines showing the clean breaks and repair. Small loss on top of extending flanges along shoulder, as shown. Face intact and fine.
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.

Ceramic objects such as this figure were part of the overall expansion of ritual activities in the Classic period. The prominent display of the garment is a clear indication of the importance of textiles as a social and ceremonial vehicle. "The effort to show clothing and to detail its decoration suggests that textiles had become an important element in presentation and negotiation of social roles." (Stark 2001:209).
The interplay of abstract and naturalistic elements gives a dynamic yet mysterious quality to this small scale figure. The intense trance-like expression and prominent headdress are a focal point of the sculpture; the gesture of the outstretched arms may be a sign of homage and protection. Other outstretched flat style figures come from the Mixtequilla region including the El Zapotal area. The single tooth is a sign of beauty seen on Nopiloa and smiling figures from Remojadas. Some figures of this style have a molded element in the back of the figure serving as a whistle.