Fine VERACRUZ STANDING FIGURE, Remojadas Late Classic, ca. A.D. 550-950

the ecstatic figure with head uplifted and the left hand pressed to the open mouth showing teeth and tongue, wearing a tassel wrist ornament and elaborate garb including deeply patterned skirt, pendant bead necklace, ear ornaments with central rod, and headband of mat motifs, a scroll motif painted on the chest and similar faint motifs on the face, areas with extensive remains of white pigment.

Louisiana Gallery, acquired in the 1960's
Acquired from the above in 1979

Jill Leslie Furst and Peter T. Furst, Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico, New York, 1980, frontispiece and pg. 51.

Overall very good despite the obvious old breaks. The figure has remarkable liveliness and all original parts. There is loss of two fingers on the right hand as shown, minor loss on headdress as shown. Good remains of white pigment and encrustations.
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.

A recent study of the mural paintings of El Zapotal in the impressive banquette of Mound 2, shows the close interrelationship of architectural features, painting, ceramic sculpture and funerary remains, which together create a larger narrative program related to the cycle of life and death and mythological deities (Wyllie 2010). Sonriente figures, both in ceramic and related painted form, appear related to chenneques, the 'short ones'  or dwarf-like attendants who serve Chane, Lord of the Underworld,  according to contemporary Mixe-Zoque speakers of southern Veracruz (Wyllie 2010:214). This sonriente wears a finely woven textile skirt and headdress, a reflection of the importance of cotton production, and how textiles become a means of displaying social status and identity in the Classic period (Stark 2001:208).