Featured Artwork: Gods and Warriors of Ancient Mexican Tomb Pottery

We all know of the Aztecs and their towering relics. Many are less familiar with the far older cultures of Western Mexico who left no monuments or writing systems but whose shaft tomb culture produced the most dramatic artworks in Mesoamerica. Small in stature but bursting with artistry, Mexican tomb pottery is our one key to the cultures of ancient West Mexico.

Roughly dating to a period between 300 BCE and 400 CE, the ancient Western states of Colima, Jalisco and Nayarit were united by the use of grave goods within tombs–the most striking of which are ceramic figurines, such as this incredibly expressive priest figure from Colima. These burial offerings were likely among the only artistic expressions in the cultures.

This powerful figurine depicts a Jalisco warrior, a common subject in Jalisco pottery. The figure’s protective stance suggests that it was likely a tomb guardian. While motifs such as warriors and priests often recurred in Mesoamerican art, these hand-fired West Mexico figures are remarkable in their specificity–marking the spirit of the lost artist who made them.

To inquire about these works or learn more, contact Palmyra Heritage, a third generation New York gallery specializing in Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic artifacts. Gallery 16 at The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, 1050 Second Ave. (P): 212.319.1077 (F): 212.319.1077 (E): morris@palmyraheritagegallery.com