Casas Grandes Jar

Casas Grandes polychrome figural jar in the Ramos style. Ca. 1100-1400 CE. A captivating pottery jar with an anthropomorphic head - perhaps a warrior - rising from the rim and presenting an expressive visage with face paint that gives the impression of streaming tears. The sizable head displays partially closed, coffee bean shaped eyes with prominent lids beneath a straight brow, an upturned nose, and thin, gently parted lips, all flanked by a pair of naturalistic ears and crowned by a helmet like headdress. Nested spiral, triangular, and linear motifs adorn the exterior surface, all carefully hand-painted in red and black pigments on a cream hued ground. The painted decorations are characteristic of the Ramos style. The painted motifs boast lovely circular, stepped and linear forms. The finest Casas Grandes polychromes are usually of the Ramos style. Professionally repaired with restoration and some areas of repainting. Some minor nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise displays an impressive presentation with vibrant remaining pigments and clear decorative program. This item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been exported legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws relating to cultural patrimony.