Some of the pieces in this lot have been repaired, cleaned or rebuilt, without altering their fundamental importance in a cultural sense or limiting their exhibition use. However, in other cases they have been greatly modified in modern times, and imitations or simply counterfeits have been created on a larger or smaller scale. The three pieces that follow are in this highly variable category and are dubious enough to be singled out separately.
They are all of fine paste and stylistically related to the figurines identified as “Panuco C” type. These representations are among the finest in the Huasteca, and have been found mainly in the Northern Gulf, during the Classic Period. Consequently, they are the most sought after, and in certain circumstances, subject to modifications.
In this case, two of the three pieces are in sitting postures with their legs crossed and arms extended with their hands on their knees. This ritual position is common in different regions of Mesoamerica. They are found throughout the Gulf Coast, and especially in the Central South area. However, in the Northern Gulf they are much less common, probably reflecting ritual differences.
Nonetheless, the important thing here is the craftsmanship. Both pieces have large heads that are out of proportion. Also, it is likely that the clay paste with which the bodies were made was different for the heads. There are other aspects of treatment and attire that are also highly abnormal and require consideration in determining the degree of authenticity.
The piece at hand corresponds to a male seated figure made using the modeling technique. The posture is common in almost the entire Gulf Coast of Mesoamerica, as well as being a position was used in different rituals since the very early eras. Even though it is quite unusual to find it in the Central Southern Gulf region, the amount of pieces does not seem to be abundant in the Huasteca.
The individual has his hands on his knees and his eyes to the front. His left hand seems to have a glove with three protective bracelets behind it. These may somehow symbolize the garment worn during the ritual ball game. The neck is long and has a thick necklace or string without a pendant. Under this embellishment, we can observe some traces in the shape of scars of what could have been a previous decoration of larger size made up by ribbons ed in a"V"-shape on the chest. However, it is just a scar and cannot be accurately confirmed.
Around the waist a piece of clothing is represented by a fine layer of tar. This paint also covers the navel marked by a conical perforation. Therefore, the tar was applied after the manufacturing and smoothing of the surface of the torso. The head is big in proportion to the body. His face was made with a mold and the details were retouched afterwards. The eyes have pupils represented by conical perforations. The nose is large and triangular and the mouth is embossed. Both sides of the face are marked by the ears and medium-size earrings.
The headdress seems to be a mass of long hair, but it is depicted almost like a helmet, a turban, some type of crown or ritual miter. It is decorated with a wide band holding perforated discs that imitate some precious stones such as jade or serpentine. This symbolizes an individual from the elite or a divine character or ruler. There is a wide variety of headdress and embellishments in the Huasteca but apparently they are not similar to this example.
The upper part of the figurine is simple and has no decoration. The body was originally covered with a cream-colored engobe, which is lacking today. A modern fracture shows that we are dealing with a compact type of clay, fired at high temperatures with a fine degreasing agent made from quartz.
This piece has dirt stuck very deeply into the incisions made for the hands, navel, eyes, ears, earrings and headdress. The finish and style make it similar to those of the ball game, as well as to figures 1191 and 1195. This whole group corresponds to female figurines. This one, on the other hand, appears to be a male character rather than a young teenager girl.
Stylistically, this figure is mostly of the "Panuco C” type, found mainly in the Northern Gulf during the Classic period (300-900 A.D.). However, this piece features some presentation and workmanship aspects that are out of the ordinary for these figurines. Laboratory analyses are required. There is a strong possibility that this figurine is a mix of authentic and modified fragments and other materials.
