5 Pre-Columbian & 1 Post-Colonial Guatemalan Heads (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 52)

$321.25

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, ca. 200 to 600 CE; Post-Colonial period, ca. 1500 CE. A compelling group of six pottery heads, each a small but expressive study in human form, capturing the enduring presence of ancient Guatemalan sculptural traditions. Modeled in earthy clay tones, the faces range from serene to abstract, with hollowed eyes, softly defined features, and occasional headdress or cranial shaping that suggest identity, status, or ritual meaning. Five examples belong to the Pre-Columbian period, reflecting regional traditions of figural representation between 200 and 600 CE, where stylization and symbolism often outweighed naturalism. The third head from the left in the front row stands apart as a later work, dating to around 1500 CE, offering a subtle shift in form and surface that hints at continuity and transformation across centuries. Size: 2.9″ W x 2.1″ H (7.4 cm x 5.3 cm); 4.9″ H (12.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Together, the group presents a compact yet evocative survey of changing artistic language in Guatemala, unified by their intimate scale and quiet, enduring presence.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Monarch Auction, Peoria, Arizona, USA

Condition: Damaged. All are fragments from larger pieces with chips, nicks, and losses as shown. Rich earthen deposits throughout.