HUASTEC STONE FIGURE WITH STAFFPOSTCLASSIC, CIRCA AD 900-1300 |

Private Collection, acquired by the late 1960s

The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, long term loan, 2000 - 2010

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Old losses at the front and back of the base plinth, Weathered and worn overall but with good detail remaining in fingers and face. Normal nicks, scratches, abrasions, wear and some discoloration.
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.

The Huastec staff figures of the Gulf Coast region are a distinct and enigmatic type. They are carved in tan limestone and typically are of aged figures hunched forward with the aid of a tall staff before them.  The figure leans on his staff with both arms held close to the body and his hands wrapped tightly around the top. the fingernails fully modelled. His has the classic agd features of the mature individual with sharp cheekbones over sunken mouth area, set jaw and small rounded eyes. This figure wears a conical hat with the semi-circular plaited diadem ornament in the back, indicative of a ceremonial or high status position. This headdress is mainly a feature of the large standing priestess sculptures.

For the large, defining example of a staff figure, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (inv. no. 1978.412.17), see von Winning, Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America, New York, 1968, p. 227, fig. 330; for the staff figure type, see de la Fuente and Solana, Escultura huasteca en piedra: catálogo, Mexico City, 1980, pp. 89-100, pls. CCXVIII-CCXXXIX.