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San Antonio Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr.
Human Figure
San Antonio Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr.
Contact San Antonio Museum of Art, Registrar Department for rights and reproduction of this image. Photography by Ansen Seale.

Human Figure

Artist Unknown
DepartmentLatin American Art
CultureJalisco
Dateca. 200 B.C.-A.D. 300
MediumEarthenware
Dimensionsh. 6 3/4 in. (17.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr.
Object number77.1136
Geography
Place madeMexico
General regionNorth and Central America
DescriptionThis clay sculpture portrays a human with a hunched back in a crouched position. An undecorated, open vessel rests on the right shoulder and is supported by the right arm. The left arm is arched with the left hand resting on the left knee. The right shin bone protrudes from the leg. No indications of clothing are present but the individual is wearing circular earrings.Label TextThis figure is of a style common to the West Mexican shaft tomb cultures, possibly those in the Jalisco area. Within several Mesoamerican cultures, persons with unique body structures were part of the palace retinue and may have been ritual specialists. Figurines akin to this one have been recovered from burials. They may have been placed in tombs to serve as guides or company for the deceased. (Bernadette Cap, 2020)Provenancewith Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr. (Ramona Frates Seeligson) (1898-1998), San Antonio, TX, by 1977; by gift to the Witte Museum, San Antonio, TX, 1977; by transfer to the San Antonio Museum of Art, 1994Exhibition HistoryAmerica Before Columbus: Pre-Columbian Art in the Collection of the San Antonio Museum of Art (San Antonio Museum of Art), 1985Published ReferencesKelker, Nancy L, and San Antonio Museum Association. America before Columbus: Pre-Columbian Art in the Collection of the San Antonio Museum Association (San Antonio: San Antonio Museum Association, 1985), 123.
On view
Collections
San Antonio Museum of Art, Purchased with funds provided by Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
The Lansdowne Trajan
Culture: Roman
head, ca. A.D. 98-117; torso, 1st-2nd century A.D.
The Robert K. Winn Collection.
Double-spouted bridge vessel in the form of a male porter
Unknown
Culture: Lima-Nievería/Provincial Wari
ca. A.D. 600-1000
San Antonio Museum of Art, Bequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates.
Seated Figure Vessel
Unknown
Culture: Maya
ca. A.D. 300-500
Image Not Available for Female Figure
Female Figure
Unknown
Culture: Tlaltilco
ca. 1000-800 B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, Purchased with the Grace Fortner Rider Fund.
Statuette of Aphrodite
Culture: Roman
1st-3rd century A.D.
Image Not Available for Standing Human Figure
Standing Human Figure
Unknown
Culture: Chupicuaro
ca. 500-100 B.C.
Purchased with funds provided by Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Funerary Relief for Two Men and a Woman
Culture: Roman
late 1st century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.
San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with the Grace Fortner Rider Fund.
Grave stele of Epianax
Culture: Greek
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.
Gift of Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr.
Figure with Arms Extended
Unknown
Culture: Veracruz
ca. A.D. 300-500
San Antonio Museum of Art, Bequest of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Lid from the Sarcophagus of a Woman
Culture: Etruscan
3rd century B.C.
San Antonio Museum of Art, The Nelson A. Rockefeller Mexican Folk Art Collection.
Woman Holding a Rosary
The Family of Josefina Aguilar
mid- 20th century
San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. A. A. Seeligson, Sr.
Head with Elaborate Hair Style
Unknown
Culture: Veracruz
ca. A.D. 400

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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