Veracruz Terracotta Head of a Dignitary or Deity

Gulf coast of Mexico, Ca. 600 to 800 AD.  characterized by a tall headdress formed of dense pastillaje-like radiating elements, framing the top and sides of the head. The figure wears large open earspools with intricate openwork disks and pendant loops, and the back of the head is hollowed with a rectangular aperture, indicating it once belonged to a larger hollow sculpture 

Size: 8 1/2 inch (head); 12 inch overall height on base.

A pastillaje headdress is one built up from many small, applied clay pellets or tabs that create a spiky three dimensional crown, a hallmark feature of Classic Veracruz ceramic sculpture. 
Figures often wore ornate headdresses and earspools, signifying status or participation in ceremonial events. The glyph-like designs on the headdress is characteristic of the style and region.

Provenance Private Mercer Island WA collection by descent from Ruth Goldwyn Capps & Henry McClure Capps (known as Mac) who was an art director and production designer for TV & films in the mid-1950s.For more on Veracruz see Ancient Art of Veracruz, Ethnic Arts Council of L.A., 1971.  Also see Ceremonial Sculpture of Ancient Veracruz, Hillwood Art Center, Long Island University, 1987.