Teotihuacan, Mexico Terracotta Figure. 100-600 AD. 3.5 cm height. Spanish Export License. (No reserve price)
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Teotihuacan terracotta figure, 3.5 cm high, dating to 100–600 AD, in good condition, with authenticity certificate and Spanish export licence, provenance from a private collection (Wilma and Max Schumacher).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Figure.
Teotihuacan, Mexico, 100-600 AD.
Terracotta.
3.5 cm height.
CONDITION: Good condition.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Wilma and Max Schumacher.
DESCRIPTION:
The valley of Teotihuacán lies northwest of Lake Texcoco, in the highlands of Mexico and very close to the present-day capital. Despite the relative aridity of this territory, it is well supplied with water by three rivers that flow into the lake and are still widely used today to irrigate the fields.
In the valley where Teotihuacán settled, the Cuanalán and Tezocuya cultures had previously developed, which gave rise to a certain social complexity and agricultural and calendrical (astronomical) knowledge, as well as an agricultural-warrior economy that would lay the necessary foundations for the emergence of Teotihuacán. The Teotihuacan influence was strongly felt throughout Mesoamerica, from the nearby valleys to distant regions such as Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca and the Mayan region (Chiapas and Guatemala). It is thought that the city itself supported a population of migrants from different peoples, making it a cosmopolitan centre. The name Teotihuacan means in the Nahua language ‘place where the gods are born’, which demonstrates the enormous relevance that this culture had in later periods, both in tangible and ideological aspects.
The architecture achieved astonishing levels of perfection, not only in the astronomical orientation of its buildings and streets, but also in its forms and decorations. Embedded stone heads depicting gods, columns filled with bas-reliefs with symmetrical designs and decorations of monumental scale are some examples. Delicate masks inlaid with semi-precious stones or depictions of animals with mythical characteristics have been recorded. Stone braziers with the image of the god Huehueteotl (the old God of Fire) were very common and despite their schematic lines, they are very expressive. They also achieved great mastery in ceramics. Incense burners and braziers with lids profusely decorated and painted in various colours are particularly noteworthy. The representations of the heads of gods or priests with enormous headdresses are characteristic and indicate the perfection achieved by the master potters. The techniques used include moulds, modelling by pastillage, incising and post-firing painting in bright reds, blues, greens and yellows. The Teotihuacans depicted their environment in their mural art, leaving a faithful reflection of the flora and fauna that surrounded them, including wild animals and even insects.
Notes:
- The piece includes authenticity certificate.
- The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) - If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit should be requested, can take between 1-2 weeks maximum.
- The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
#hobbycollection
Seller's Story
Gallery of Ancient Art - Archeology based in Barcelona with more than fifteen years of experience. Specialized in classical art, Egyptian art, Asian art and pre-Columbian art. It guarantees the authenticity of all its pieces. It participates in the most important art fairs in Spain, such as Feriarte, as well as in fairs abroad, BRAFA, Parcours des Mondes, Cultures Brussels.
All the pieces are sent with an Export Permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture.
We are quick to ship via DHL Express or Direct Art Transport.
Translated by Google TranslateFigure.
Teotihuacan, Mexico, 100-600 AD.
Terracotta.
3.5 cm height.
CONDITION: Good condition.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Wilma and Max Schumacher.
DESCRIPTION:
The valley of Teotihuacán lies northwest of Lake Texcoco, in the highlands of Mexico and very close to the present-day capital. Despite the relative aridity of this territory, it is well supplied with water by three rivers that flow into the lake and are still widely used today to irrigate the fields.
In the valley where Teotihuacán settled, the Cuanalán and Tezocuya cultures had previously developed, which gave rise to a certain social complexity and agricultural and calendrical (astronomical) knowledge, as well as an agricultural-warrior economy that would lay the necessary foundations for the emergence of Teotihuacán. The Teotihuacan influence was strongly felt throughout Mesoamerica, from the nearby valleys to distant regions such as Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca and the Mayan region (Chiapas and Guatemala). It is thought that the city itself supported a population of migrants from different peoples, making it a cosmopolitan centre. The name Teotihuacan means in the Nahua language ‘place where the gods are born’, which demonstrates the enormous relevance that this culture had in later periods, both in tangible and ideological aspects.
The architecture achieved astonishing levels of perfection, not only in the astronomical orientation of its buildings and streets, but also in its forms and decorations. Embedded stone heads depicting gods, columns filled with bas-reliefs with symmetrical designs and decorations of monumental scale are some examples. Delicate masks inlaid with semi-precious stones or depictions of animals with mythical characteristics have been recorded. Stone braziers with the image of the god Huehueteotl (the old God of Fire) were very common and despite their schematic lines, they are very expressive. They also achieved great mastery in ceramics. Incense burners and braziers with lids profusely decorated and painted in various colours are particularly noteworthy. The representations of the heads of gods or priests with enormous headdresses are characteristic and indicate the perfection achieved by the master potters. The techniques used include moulds, modelling by pastillage, incising and post-firing painting in bright reds, blues, greens and yellows. The Teotihuacans depicted their environment in their mural art, leaving a faithful reflection of the flora and fauna that surrounded them, including wild animals and even insects.
Notes:
- The piece includes authenticity certificate.
- The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) - If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit should be requested, can take between 1-2 weeks maximum.
- The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
#hobbycollection
Seller's Story
Gallery of Ancient Art - Archeology based in Barcelona with more than fifteen years of experience. Specialized in classical art, Egyptian art, Asian art and pre-Columbian art. It guarantees the authenticity of all its pieces. It participates in the most important art fairs in Spain, such as Feriarte, as well as in fairs abroad, BRAFA, Parcours des Mondes, Cultures Brussels.
All the pieces are sent with an Export Permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture.
We are quick to ship via DHL Express or Direct Art Transport.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Teotihuacan, Mexico
Century/ Timeframe
100-600 AD.
Name of object
Figure. 100-600 AD. 3.5 cm height. Spanish Export License.
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
