Fine Nayarit Seated Couple, Ixtlán del Río style Protoclassic, ca. 100 B.C.-A.D. 250

the marriage couple finely modeled with nearly identical facial expressions reinforcing their lineage and union, the open mouths and wide eyes signifying their lively state, the female holding a fully dressed small figure on her lap, her clothing including a wraparound skirt and striped twisted headband, the male playing an effigy rasp with a shell plectrum in the elongated right arm, wearing a scoop loincloth and fringed cap secured by an animal pelt headband, each with identical multiple earrings. 

Private European collection
Sotheby's, New York, November 18, 1991, lot 148, consigned by the above

Both figures overall excellent condition, minor repairs including: female; PR foot toes re-glued as shown, head of infant re-glued at neck as shown, otherwise she has excellent clothing details even on her skirt underneath; male; most of the headdress spikes are original, three or four re-glued and appear to have some restoration, also has good details of body paint front and back and earrings; nose ring appears to have some restoration, effigy rasp appears to be 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.

Stylized marriage couples are a special feature of the Nayarit and Jalisco ceramic tradition. Portraying men and women within their village ritual activities demonstrated their continued participation and leadership of their clan in the afterlife. Male figures are often shown as musicians, perhaps related to calling forth ancestors and spirits as part of a chief's shamanic role; for a closely related couple see von Winning (1974: fig. 278), and for other elaborate couples, see Townsend (1998: pgs. 43 and 127).