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

the marriage couple of dignified demeanor and elaborately decorated with body tattoos and facial designs, the male shaking a gourd rattle and the female holding a small bowl, their arms across each other's back, each with wide nose ornaments, beaded armbands and necklaces, the male wearing a pointed cap secured with an animal skin band trimmed by spikes, the female with a twisted headband and in a patterned skirt.

Carlebach Gallery
Acquired by the present owner's family from the above in 1958

Overall excellent except female shows repair on nose and top half of head extending onto her braided headband, both nose ornaments show restoration.
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.

Aztec marriage ceremonies involved elaborate rituals and feasting events, including tying the couple together by their mantles (Townsend 1998:128). Joined figures are graphic reminders of the primordial bond of ancestor couples; for a similar couple, see Butterwick (2004: cat. no. 35).