STATUE ANTHROPOMORPHE ASSISECULTURE COLIMAPROTOCLASSIQUE, 100 AV. J.-C - 250 AP. J.-C. |

Marché de l’art, États-Unis
Sotheby's, New York, 25 novembre 1996, n° 109
Collection privée, New York
Christie's, Paris, 14 juin 2004, n° 393
Importante Collection privée française

Excellent condition overall. Proper right arm clean break and repair at the join, Fine patina and color, excellent modeling of the face. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. 
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

L’esthétique singulière des statues en céramique de Colima, avec leur patine rouge et leur gracieuse forme curvilinéaire, fait l’admiration des collectionneurs depuis plusieurs décennies. Le personnage est représenté assis, bras levé et poing serré. Cette posture est classique dans les représentations de musiciens qui secouaient leur instrument dans leur main levée. La corne émergeant de la couronne est aujourd’hui interprétée comme une coquille de conque stylisée, denrée exotique qui symbolisait la fertilité et la pérennité de la lignée familiale. Pour une statue apparentée, voir Gallagher, Companions of the Dead, 1983, p. 47, fig. 33.

The distinctive red patina and graceful curvilinear form of the hollow ceramic figures from Colima are a particular aesthetic admired for decades among collectors. This figure sits erectly, raising his truncated right arm and clenched fist. The animated posture is typical of Colima musicians who shake instruments in the raised hand.  The single "horn" protruding from the crown of his head is now thought to be a stylized conch shell spiral, an exotic good that was symbolic of fertility and the perpetuity of family lineage. 

For a similar figure, see Gallagher, Companions of the Dead, 1983, p. 47, fig. 33.