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- Crowned priest holding a jaguar's head and a conch shell
T…
See original version (French)
28
-
- Crowned priest holding a jaguar's head and a conch shell
T…
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,800 - €3,200
Voluntary lot
Description
- Crowned priest
holding a jaguar's head and a conch shell
Terracotta with remains of polychromy, broken and glued
Veracruz, Mexico, c. 450 - 700 AD
42 x 27.5 x 23 cm
Provenance: sale by Boscher, Studer & Fromentin, Paris, 2 February 2001, lot no. 143
This figure shows a person holding a jaguar's head, which can be understood as evoking the totem of a defeated warrior. In this interpretation, the jaguar refers to a warrior identity, and the presentation of this head symbolises victory over this adversary in a context possibly linked to sacrificial practices.
In the other hand, the perforated conch, used as a sound instrument, refers to ceremonial practices in which sound accompanied rituals and gave rhythm to gatherings.
The tripartite crown, assertive expression and frontal posture indicate an individual of high rank.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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