Jalisco Crawling Figure, Ameca-Etzatlán Style, Protoclassic, circa 100 BC - AD 250

Edward H. Merrin, New York
Gray and Patsy R. Taylor, Greenwich, acquired from the above by 1971

This striking crawling warrior kneels on his left leg, one arm raised as if about to release his spear while he holds himself up with the other. Four wound marks are scattered on his body: on his left shoulder, ribs, leg, and right buttocks. Paint and texture emanate from these wounds indicating life-like bleeding. The figure's surprisingly serene face is dotted with decorative paint on his forehead and cheeks. His helmet is secured with a cord under his chin and is composed of animal skin & domed tassels (perhaps representing hooves of the animal). A loincloth rests on his hips.

For a similar figure, formerly in the collection of Mildred and William Kaplan, New York, see Sotheby’s, New York, May 15, 2009, lot 115.