Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Tlatilco, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A graceful and finely-formed D-4 type 'pretty lady' figure from this very early ancient culture of the Americas. This one stands out for her dance-like pose and flaring skirt - akin to a tutu worn by a ballerina. Note how she tips her head dramatically to her right shoulder and looks upward dramatically - her feet in 'second position' with outward pointed toes. Besides this, she was also probably regarded as a fertility idol - note her perky breasts, navel, and the skirt/tutu accentuating her waist and hips. Her face is characteristically elongated with slanted coffee bean shaped eyes, a petite nose, and parted lips - perhaps expressing her exertion from the dance, all topped by an elaborate headdress decorated with striated bands and a pom pom like ornament. Her body displays traces of a red pigment, suggesting that she was brightly painted at one point. Meticulously-detailed and elegantly presented, this is a wonderful example of Tlatilco sculpture! Size: 4" H (10.2 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: ex-old collection of Bruce Rogers, San Francisco, California, USA, 1970's; ex-collection of Dave DeRoche, San Francisco, California, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #137316