Colima Preclassic Dancer with removable headdress Late Preclassic, ca. 300-100 B.C.

the solid figure distinguished by the elaborate and finely modeled ceremonial attire including a dramatic removable alligator headdress with fierce interlocked teeth, the rectangular snout with black and white patterning and tall sweeping crest of plumes supported on the stippled soft helmet,  the figure's head covered in a finely woven cap with large chinstrap, the face with delicate features peering outward, leaning slightly forward with arms lifting the long and weightly rattles, held through a mitt around each hand, further attired in leg disks, loincloth with applied beads, a closefitting basketry yoke high on the waist, the upper arms with tightly spaced beaded bands and remains of similar tiny ornaments crisscrossing the chest and back; together with a small head vessel containing a pellet.

Edward H. Merrin Gallery
Acquired from the above in 1982

New York, Edward H. Merrin Gallery, Works of Art from Pre-Columbian Mexico and Guatemala, Autumn 1971, fig. 23, illus.

Overall excellent, figure nearly intact with two restorations, the PL foot, and on the removable headdress, the counterbalance flap down the back. Pls. note these revisions to the COndition. On headdress, approximately first 6 feathers on the front appear restored, the two front fangs on the alligator helmet are new, and the neck of the figure has been repaired.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For highly similar dancer figures with mask and rattles, see Townsend ed. (1998:22, figs. 11 and 12, cat. nos. 99 and 97 and pg. 257:Fig. 6).