Mexico, Protoclassic Period, circa 100 B.C.-250 A.D.. Red ware, hollow-formed and modelled in the round, seated figure with horn to the brow and pierced ears, incised decoration to the midriff, pouring spout to rear of head. See Holsbeke, M., Offerings for a New Life, Funerary images from pre-Columbian West Mexico, Antwerp Ethnographic Museum, 1998, figure 3, for a guardian striking a similar pose. 1.9 kg, 36.5 cm (14 3/8 in.).

Holding a throwing stone in one hand and facing an unseen danger to his left as was tradition. This seated figure can be identified as a tomb guardian with the horn on his head marking him as a shaman or with magical powers. His purpose was to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife. The Colima culture produced the greatest variety of sculpture across ancient West Mexico.

with Bonhams, London, 24 May 2016, lot 21. Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, gentleman.