70 - In the style of the Valdivia culture (Ecuador).

In the style of the Valdivia culture (Ecuador). A female statuette known as “Venus,” made of terracotta with a red slip. A standing female figure with a stylized body, her arms crossed beneath her chest. The face is framed by an incised helmet-like headdress. She displays the characteristic features of the Valdivia Venuses, traditionally associated with fertility. There is a break on the right leg; a fragment has been preserved. Compare with examples from museum collections, notably a female statuette held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (inv. 1980.83.15), featuring an elaborate headdress, hands clasped beneath the chest, and a red slip, as well as an example held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston (inv. 99.270.2), also attributed to the Valdivia culture. Provenance: Private collection of Jack Favié, a former soldier who became an adventurer in the aftermath of World War II. He lived in Tahiti and then in Ecuador; during these stays, he built up his collection, which reflects his interest in the ancient civilizations of Latin America, particularly the Ecuadorian Valdivia, Chorrera, La Tolita, and Manteña cultures. The first part of this collection was sold at auction in 2001. (15)