152 - - Seated shaman

- Seated shaman one arm raised to form a spout. Coffee-red terra cotta, time mark. Colima, western Mexico, 100 BC - 250 AD 34 x 22 cm Provenance: acquired by Mr. Martinez from the former Arts des Amériques gallery, Paris, between the late 1970s and early 1980s. In Western Mexico, certain ceramic figures combine human representation with the function of a vessel, as shown here with an arm transformed into a spout. This type of object refers to ceremonial uses linked to the ingestion of liquids, possibly associated with substances with hallucinogenic properties. Archaeological data in this region attest to the use of plants such as psilocybin mushrooms, peyote and certain fermented preparations, as part of rituals aimed at altering perception. The figure wears a helmet with a protrusion pointing skyward, marking his link with the divine world. The incised decoration on the necklace, belt and panties, combined with the concentrated posture, give the piece a sober yet poetic presence.