Veracruz, Terracotta Figure. 34,5 cm H. Spanish Import License. 300 - 900 AD
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 9,000 - € 15,000
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Terracotta Veracruz seated figure from a funerary urn lid, 34.5 cm high and 18.5 cm wide, dating to 300–900 AD, in good condition with a Spanish import license, from a private Paris collection.
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Description from the seller
Seated figure from a lid of an urn.
Veracruz, 300 - 900 AD
Terracotta
34,5 cm height and 18,5 cm width.
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Paris, France. 1960 - 1980.
- Thence by descendent.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Documents: With Spanish Import / Export license.
The culture of Veracruz, located along the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the state of Veracruz, is one of the richest and most diverse cultural traditions in Mesoamerica. Among its most fascinating artistic expressions are the terracotta figures created for funerary worship. These small clay sculptures were especially important in ancient civilizations such as El Tajín and Tres Zapotes, where ritual practices honored the dead and maintained a spiritual connection between the living and the afterlife.
Terracotta funerary figures were often placed inside tombs as offerings. They represented deities, ancestors, warriors, musicians, and ballplayers, reflecting the social roles and religious beliefs of the community. Many figures display elaborate headdresses, jewelry, and facial expressions, showing both artistic skill and symbolic meaning. The use of clay, a material taken from the earth, also symbolized the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
These sculptures were not only decorative but deeply spiritual. They were believed to guide and protect the deceased on their journey to the underworld. Today, these terracotta figures remain an essential part of Veracruz’s cultural heritage, providing valuable insight into ancient Mesoamerican worldview and ritual life.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateSeated figure from a lid of an urn.
Veracruz, 300 - 900 AD
Terracotta
34,5 cm height and 18,5 cm width.
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Paris, France. 1960 - 1980.
- Thence by descendent.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Documents: With Spanish Import / Export license.
The culture of Veracruz, located along the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the state of Veracruz, is one of the richest and most diverse cultural traditions in Mesoamerica. Among its most fascinating artistic expressions are the terracotta figures created for funerary worship. These small clay sculptures were especially important in ancient civilizations such as El Tajín and Tres Zapotes, where ritual practices honored the dead and maintained a spiritual connection between the living and the afterlife.
Terracotta funerary figures were often placed inside tombs as offerings. They represented deities, ancestors, warriors, musicians, and ballplayers, reflecting the social roles and religious beliefs of the community. Many figures display elaborate headdresses, jewelry, and facial expressions, showing both artistic skill and symbolic meaning. The use of clay, a material taken from the earth, also symbolized the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
These sculptures were not only decorative but deeply spiritual. They were believed to guide and protect the deceased on their journey to the underworld. Today, these terracotta figures remain an essential part of Veracruz’s cultural heritage, providing valuable insight into ancient Mesoamerican worldview and ritual life.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Veracruz,
Century/timeframe
300 - 900 AD
Name of object
Figure. 34,5 cm H. Spanish Import License. 300 - 900 AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
