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San Antonio Museum of Art, Bequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates.
Standing Figure with Shield
San Antonio Museum of Art, Bequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates.
Contact San Antonio Museum of Art, Registrar Department for rights and reproduction of this image. Photography by Ansen Seale.

Standing Figure with Shield

Artist Unknown
DepartmentLatin American Art
CultureMaya
Dateca. A.D. 700
MediumEarthenware with traces of pigment
Dimensionsh. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
w. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
d. 1/16 in. (0.2 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates
Object number97.1.23
Geography
Place madeCampeche, Mexico
General regionNorth and Central America
DescriptionA ceramic figure of a standing man, brandishing a round shield held high in his right hand by a long handle. Traces of blue pigment color his sash, head ornaments, and arm bands.Label TextThis detailed depiction of a nobleman is an excellent example of Jaina-style figurines. Jaina Island, off the coast of Campeche, served as a burial ground for tens of thousands of people. Each grave excavated by archaeologists has contained at least one figurine. In life, this type of figurine would be used in ceremonies, storytelling, or as learning devices. For the figurine shown here, the individual has an elongated crania which was a practice of the elite classes and seen as a beautiful feature. The shield he carries is akin to one a warrior might own, but he lacks the protective gear used in combat. The fine detail incorporated in this figurine, such as his mustache and facial decorations, indicate the great time taken and skill acquired by the artisan. (Bernadette Cap, 2021)Provenancewith Alphonse Jax, New York City, NY, by 1973; by purchase to Elizabeth Huth Coates (nee Maddux) (1909-1996), San Antonio, TX, 1973; by bequest of the Elizabeth Huth Coates estate to the San Antonio Museum of Art, 1997
On view
Collections
San Antonio Museum of Art, Museum Purchase: Stark-Willson Collection.
Statuette of Venus and Cupid
Culture: Roman
2nd-4th century
San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Mummy Mask of a Woman
Culture: Egyptian
2nd-3rd century A.D.
Gift of Chris Karcher and Karen Keach.
Female Figure
Culture: Egyptian
ca. 2065-1650 B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, Gift of Alphonse Jax.
Seated Figure
Unknown
Culture: Olmec
ca. 1800-800 B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Statuette of a woman
Culture: Greek
3rd century B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, Museum purchase.
Atlantean Figure
Unknown
Culture: Maya or Toltec
ca. A.D. 900-1150
Bequest of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Statuette of a Horse and Rider
Culture: Greek
4th century B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, bequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates.
Ball Player with Headdress
Unknown
Culture: Huastec
ca. A.D. 900
Gift of Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Hardy.
Standing Male Figure
Unknown
Culture: Mumuye peoples
19th century
Image Not Available for Standing Figure
Standing Figure
Unknown
Culture: Mezcala
ca. 400-100 B.C.
Image Not Available for Standing Figure
Standing Figure
Culture: Mezcala
ca. 400-100 B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Frederick Wilkins.
Lance
Culture: Persian or Indian
18th century

The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.

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