We have donated the remaining sculptures to The Auntie Project to help in their fundraising. They are a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to serve Native American and Indigenous children, including those seeking refuge on our southern border.
Indigenous figures, from Mexico and, possibly, further south. Unlike the prints, there is no provenance. Their origins remain a mystery.
The sculptures have not been appraised. Minimum bids have been set at about half what we estimated the value to be, based on similar work found online. They range between four and fourteen and a half inches tall and are all hand made.
Click on any image to enlarge it and see a slide show with all the work on this page.
The auction closed November 16. Minimum bids were half their estimated value. For more about the collection and the auction, please see this page.
Terracotta Figures
In addition to traveling a great deal for pleasure, Andy consulted in the building of two resorts, one in Belize and one in Curaçao. Some of these may have come from those areas. Most seem to have been bought at different locations over a long period of time.
Zapotec Effigy Vessel, the God of Corn, Pitao Cozobi
This is a representation of the Zapotec God of Corn, Pitao Cozobi. The majority of Zapotec urns were often placed in different positions around and within tombs. we found several similar pieces online inspired by this effigy vessel from around 300-500 AD. It is in the Dolores Olmedo Museum in Mexico City.
The quality of the reproductions found varied a great deal and include one bas relief (without the urn) mass produced by a company in the USA. Prices also ranged widely, between $45 and $150
Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, in very good vintage condition with no observable chips, breaks or repairs.
Size: 12 x 11 x 5.5 inches
Minimum bid: $60
Current bid: $
Seated Figure with Bowl
This person appears to have been made to sit upon something (note lefthand view sitting on magnifying glass.) Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, in very good vintage condition with no observable chips, breaks or repairs.
Size: 8 x 4 x 5.5 inches
Minimum bid: $40
Current bid: $
Fertility Goddess and Consort
These two figures match in color, style and technique. While they may or may not be tied by theme, they appear to have been made by the same artist and bought together. Because of this, we are offering the pair at a slight discount.
Woman in Childbirth
A woman, possibly a fertility goddess, in the throes of childbirth, mid-howl, with the baby’s head crowning. Her upper back is etched with what appears to be Mayan hieroglyphics.
In good vintage condition with no repairs but with two small breaks on her headdress. One broken piece, which fits into the flower above her right eye, included.
Size: 10 x 6 x 4 inches
Minimum bid: $40
Current bid: $
Male Figure
Matches childbearing woman perfectly. Not sure who he is or what his significance might be. Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, in very good vintage condition with no observable chips, breaks or repairs.
Size: 10 x 6 x 4 inches
Minimum bid: $45
Current bid: $
Set of Two, Both Sculptures
Minimum bid: $75
Current bid: $
Standing Ruler or Deity
Size: 12 (14.5) x 6 x 4 inches
Has a broken hat, pictured below, which is included but has not been glued. It appears to be a clean break. Fourteen and a half inches tall with hat. Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, he seems to be in good vintage condition with no other observable chips, breaks or repairs.
Minimum bid: $40
Current bid: $
Seated Figure with Arm Up
This person appears to me to be much older than the rest. His hat is broken and missing. Otherwise, seems to be in good vintage condition with no other observable chips, breaks or repairs. Handmade polychrome terra-cotta.
Size: 7 x 7 x 6.5 inches
Minimum bid: $45
Current bid: $
Seated King or Shaman with Tool
This figure is stamped “Hecho en Mexico Sta. ma” on the bottom. See detail. Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, in very good vintage condition with no observable chips, breaks or repairs.
Size: 10 x 7 x 7 inches
Minimum bid: $45
Current bid: $
Seated Figure with Symbol
This piece and the Corn God at the top of the page are the only figures in this set for which I have found similar ones online. Asking prices ranged mostly between $20 and $100. Some were stamped, some not, and quality varied widely. This is definitely hand made and at the upper end of the scale for quality. Handmade polychrome terra-cotta, in very good vintage condition with no observable chips, breaks or repairs.
While the number of similar pieces indicates they were inspired by a single, well-known source, none of the listings gave any clues about his origins or symbolism.
Size: 7 x 5 x 5 inches
Minimum bid: $25
Current bid: $
