Olmec Duck Effigy Vessel, Las Bocas region Early Preclassic, circa 1200-900 BC

D. Dan Michel, Chicago, acquired in 1968 (inv. no. 68:148)
Ancient Art of the New World, New York, acquired from the above
American Private Collection, acquired from the above 

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Man-eaters and Pretty Ladies: Early Art in Central Mexico from the Gulf to the Pacific, 1500 BC-500 AD, January 15 - March 8, 1971
The Arts Club of Chicago, High Culture in the Americas Before 1500, November 15 - December 31, 1982

Leo Rosshandler, Man-eaters and Pretty Ladies: Early Art in Central Mexico from the Gulf to the Pacific, 1500 BC-500 AD, Montreal, 1971, p. 50, fig. 44
Everett McNear, High Culture in the Americas Before 1500, Chicago, 1982, p. 5, cat. no. 6

Overall in very good condition. The one area of repair and restoration is the front quarter of the beak. otherwise, the body, wings and tail show typical nicks, scratches and wear consistent with age. Please note, triple holes of previous TL test are present at the back of the head and on the base underneath the tail. Good polish and colouring.
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.

Olmec effigy sculptures immortalized the great creatures of the three realms of their universe, air, land and water. The animals are portrayed with a naturalism that captures their primary attributes but the Olmec ceramist imbued the effigy with elements of the animals underlying symbolic power.

Young fauna were fondly depicted, acknowledging both birth/renewal and the promise of its later maturity. This duckling is of plump rounded form with its head nestled onto the body and its short wings and tail curved out as tufts. The applied beaded eyes bely the alertness of its species. The chest is dramatically carved with iconic Olmec abstract designs  forming recesses of roughened texture in contrast the smoothly burnished body.  The emblems reference the conflated jaguar-serpent deity, and connect the duck to the realms that waterbirds adeptly rule.

For related blackware duck vessels see Coe, The Jaguar’s Children: Preclassic Central Mexico, New York, 1965, p. 49, figs. 57-58; for the incised carved designs referencing the jaguar-dragon, see p. 31, fig. 23.