Large Nayarit Standing Couple, San Sebastián style Protoclassic, ca. 100 B.C.-A.D. 250

of imposing stature and expression balanced on high arched feet, the ancestral marriage couple with the male warrior holding a short knobbed club ready,  in incised barrel armor indicating tightly woven designs above a wide waistband with zigzag motifs, the female with hands resting beneath her youthful breasts, adorned solely with necklaces and earrings, the deep reddish brown body highlighted by white pigments.

Everett Rassiga
Don Crouch
Mauricio and Emilia Lasansky, Iowa City acquired from the above in the 1960's
By descent to the present owners

The female is excellent, fine patina and appears intact, the male had damage to the head across browline and upper shoulders, restored PR horn.
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.

Cf.Townsend (1998:118, Fig. 12) for the female figure and overall type.

This dramatic marriage couple is a fine example of one of the most important genres of ancient West Mexican sculpture. While these male/female figures refer to a primordial ancestral union, they also reference the ceremonies and socio-economic consequences of clan lineage, interclan exchanges, fertility and protection rites.