{"product_id":"pre-columbian-nayarit-pottery-seated-couple","title":"Pre-Columbian Nayarit Pottery Seated Couple","description":"\u003cp\u003eWest Mexico, Ixlan Del Rio, Ca. 200 BC to 300 AD.    A charming and expressive pair of Pre-Columbian Nayarit terracotta seated figures, representing a male and female couple, dignitaries, or village elders. Nayarit is the northernmost of the West Mexican shaft-tomb cultures, where nearly identical pairs of hollow male and female ceramic figures were placed in tombs to accompany the deceased. Each figure is hand-modeled in reddish earthenware with surviving cream-white painted slip highlights on the headdresses, ear ornaments, necklaces, garments, arms, and lower body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figures sit cross-legged with rounded bodies, columnar heads, prominent applied noses, open mouths, large circular ear ornaments, and applied nose ornaments, the bright and aware expressions conveyed by large rimmed eyes and open mouths being typical of the Ixtlán del Río style. Following the gender conventions of West Mexican art, the female figure holds a small vessel in her proper right hand, an identifying attribute, while the male holds a rounded object, possibly a ball, rattle, or offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe animated faces and individualized gestures lend the pair unusual warmth and personality. The back views reveal the hollow construction and vent openings typical of Nayarit figures, with additional surviving slip ornament on the shoulders and lower backs.\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 8 inches (20.3 cm) and 8 1\/2 inches (21.6 cm) in height. \u003cbr\u003eCondition: the figures show surface wear, mineral deposits, and pigment losses consistent with age, while remaining in overall strong condition with good preserved slip decoration. Provenance: Private Beverly Hills, California collection\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53667031580986,"sku":"12561","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/12561z.jpg?v=1782861832","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/pre-columbian-nayarit-pottery-seated-couple","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}