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

In the style of the Valdivia culture (Ecuador). Female terracotta statuette known as “Venus.” A standing female figure with a stylized body and arms crossed beneath the chest. The face is framed by a helmet-like headdress. It displays the characteristic features of the Valdivia Venuses, statuettes traditionally associated with fertility. It bears a resemblance to examples from museum collections, notably a female statuette held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (inv. 1980.83.15), featuring an elaborate hairstyle, 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 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. Possible signs of wear, damage, restoration, and missing parts.