Prehispanic Nayarit Seated Figure
100 B.C.-200 A.D. A ceramic figure of a squatting male with the arms folded round the knees, mouth opened to form a spout and top of head open to form a socket, banded decoration to the body. See Kan, M., Sculpture of Ancient West Mexico, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, University of New Mexico Press, 1989, p.84, for an example of the type. 234 grams, 12.2 cm high (4 3/4 in.). Acquired in the 1990s. English private collection. This seated figure appears to be speaking or in song. The flared cheeks may also represent ritual piercing of the mouth, a unique feature of the art of ancient West Mexico and displayed on some Nayarit sculptures.