- 60
Colima Head Vessel of the Deity Ehecatl Protoclassic, ca. 100 B.C.- A.D. 250
Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 USD
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Description
- clay
- Height : 9 1/2 in (24.1 cm)
representing a shaman wearing a mask of a bird-beaked face, symbolic of the wind god Ehecatl, the face with saucer-like eyes and tapering beak open as if in sound, a small creature perched atop, and wearing a close-fitting cap with short fringed ruff, the sides marked by knop projections and incised flanges possibly indicating wings; an opening at the back.
Provenance
Charles Laughton and Elsa Lancaster, Hollywood
Parke-Bernet Galleries, October 25, 1966, lot 42, consigned by the above
Private European Collection, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 27 and 28, 1984, lot 288, consigned by the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 2, 1990, lot 176
Parke-Bernet Galleries, October 25, 1966, lot 42, consigned by the above
Private European Collection, acquired from the above
Sotheby's, New York, November 27 and 28, 1984, lot 288, consigned by the above
Sotheby's, New York, May 2, 1990, lot 176
Literature
Hasso von Winning, Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America, New York, 1968, fig. 83
Condition
Overall very good condition; break and repair on front left lower flange of the headdress approximately three inches by one inch long.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
This vessel is a vivid depiction of one of the various masks and headdresses displayed on small Late Preclassic solid figures of the Comala style. Here the bird beak presents the wind god Ehecatl with the open beak symbolizing breath and sound. The saucer eyes, smooth facial plane and short fringed cap brim are typical of the masks. The ritual dancers often wear removable headdresses. See Townsend (1998:22, figs. 11 and 12; pg. 188, fig. 30; and pg. 257, fig. 6 left), and Holsbeke and Arnaut (1998: cat. nos. 1 and 10) for the headdress and type of saucer eyes.
It is suggested that the circular temple-pyramids found in mountainous windy regions of Colima and Jalisco, were centers for the Ehecatl cult among other ceremonial uses.