Aztec/Myan Mini Pottery Statue

🗿 Aztec/Mayan Mini Pottery Statue

🔍 Item Description

• Material: Terracotta ceramic (orange with black speckles)
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 8"
  • Width: 3.75"
  • Depth: 2.5"
  • Base: 3.5"
  • Weight: Approx. 0.408 kg (0.9 lbs)
• Color: Burnt orange clay body with dark accents
• Markings: A small round hole at the bottom of the base
• Condition: Excellent – no major chips or cracks visible
• Provenance: Acquired from an antique store in Anacortes, Washington in early 2024

🧭 Cultural & Stylistic Analysis

• The statue depicts a seated figure with elaborate jewelry and headdress, commonly associated with Mesoamerican nobility or deities.
• The ear spools, chest ornamentation, and kneeling pose are stylistically in line with Classic Period Mayan or Veracruz ceramic figures (ca. 300–900 CE).
• However, based on uniform surface wear, consistent coloration, and hole placement, this piece is likely a 20th-century reproduction made for the tourist or collector market.
• The small hole at the base suggests it might be functional, possibly a whistle, incense burner, or vessel, though it does not appear to have perforations typical of ancient musical instruments.

📅 Estimated Age

Likely made in the mid to late 20th century, as a revival or reproduction piece inspired by genuine Pre-Columbian forms. It does not appear to be an authentic ancient artifact due to:

• Uniform artificial aging and patina
• Tool marks consistent with modern manufacture
• Lack of burial encrustation or mineral deposits common on excavated originals

💰 Current Market Value

Context

Estimated Value

Decorative collector’s piece

$75 – $150 USD

Museum-quality authentic Pre-Columbian figure (if authenticated)

$1,500 – $5,000+ USD

✅ Authentication Recommendation

If you believe the piece may be genuinely ancient, you should:

• Consult a professional pre-Columbian appraiser or archaeologist
• Consider a Thermoluminescence (TL) test, which can determine the last time the clay was fired
• Reach out to reputable institutions or auction houses like:
  • Bonhams (Tribal/Pre-Columbian Art)
  • Sotheby’s Pre-Columbian Art
  • Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (for comparative analysis)

🧾 Summary

• Notable Attributes: Good stylistic fidelity to Mayan/Veracruz forms, detailed adornment
• Authenticity: Most likely a 20th-century replica
• Condition: Excellent
• Value (Decorative/Collector Market): $75–$150 USD
• Value (If Authenticated as Ancient): Potentially over $1,500 USD