Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 2
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Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 10
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 11
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 2
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 3
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 4
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Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 11
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head
Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 2 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 3 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 4 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 5 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 6 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 7 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 8 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 9 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 10 Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head, view 11

Pre-Columbian Veracruz Pottery Head

17502

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Gulf Coast of Mexico, Remojadas or Nopiloa region, c. 350–550 CE. A deeply expressive, hand-modeled hollow terracotta head fragment broken in antiquity from a monumental standing effigy figure or ceremonial vessel. Measuring 6 inches in height, the sculpture features intensely modeled naturalistic contours, characterized by high, angled cheekbones, a broad nose, and narrow, downcast slit eyes framed by prominent brow ridges. The mouth is dramatically pursed in an open, chanting or trancing posture, revealing the upper row of incisors. Adorning the figure is a flat-topped diadem or textile headband incised with vertical decorative fringe, complemented by expansive circular ear flares projecting from the lobes. Modeled from a coarse, buff-colored earthenware matrix, the interior exhibits characteristic ancient slab joins and finger depressions, while the exterior retains appealing earthy mineral encrustations and subtle rootlet markings consistent with long-term burial. Mounted on a custom black gallery display base. Accompanied by Thermoluminescence (TL) Report No. 429405 from Laboratory Ralf Kotalla, confirming ancient firing approximately 1,600 years ago (+/- 20%)

Size: 6 inches in (15.24cm) height (plus custom display base)

Veracruz ceramic figures of this period were produced as votive and funerary offerings along Mexico's Gulf Coast, where the Remojadas and related Totonac workshops flourished between 300 and 900 CE. Their expressive facial modeling, applied ornaments, and incised headdresses were intended to convey rank, identity, and ritual role within Mesoamerican society.

Provenance  Ex-collection Dr. Henry Cherrick (d. 2023, age 84), professor and dean at the UCLA School of Dentistry, who pioneered federal programs promoting dental care for HIV/AIDS patients and was an avid collector of fine art and antiquities.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

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