Veracruz Standing Male Figure

Emile Deletaille, Brussels, acquired by October, 1966

Thence by descent

Société Générale de Banque, Art de Mésoamérique - Meso-Amerikaanse kunst, Brussels, 1976, fig. 116

Brussels, Société Générale de Banque, Art de Mésoamérique - Meso-Amerikaanse kunst, November 17, 1976 - January 8, 1977

The sonriente figure is one of the signature genres of Gulf Coast ceramic sculptures. So named for their lively grinning mouth and animated posture with upraised arms holding a rattle, this figure is accented by prominent cheekbones and dimpled cheeks. His forward stance is supported on the gently bent knees. Wearing a pendant bead necklace and crescent earrings, he is further adorned with the constricting chest band of geometric motifs, and a stiff headband supporting a plaque of a stylized avian in profile. 

A sonriente may be associated with the later Aztec god Xochipilli, the deity of dance, music and joy.