Jalisco Warrior and Captive

George and Julie Alderman, Baltimore, acquired in the 1970s or early 1980s

Thence by descent to the present owner

Jalisco warrior and captive sculptures in the Ameca style are consistently shown in this configuration with the sturdy bodied and bemused warrior grasping a small weapon in his well-modeled hand, and holding down the head of the diminutive captive who is extended on all fours. The warrior wears a close-fitting turban with a small crescent and has carefully rimmed eyes with painted pupils.

Richard F. Townsend notes that "[although] warrior imagery appeared in distinct local styles in West Mexico, its standardization speaks to the importance of raiding and small-scale warfare [...] and commemorating military ritual” (“Before Warriors, Before Kings”, in Richard F. Townsend, ed., Ancient West Mexico, Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past, Chicago, 1998, p. 112).