Colima Sculpture of an Acrobat - PF.3282,Origin: Western Mexico,Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 2.75" (7.0cm) high x 2.875" (7.3cm) wide,Collection: Pre-Columbian,Style: Colima,Medium: Terracotta. In his triumphal acts of dance and extraordinary flexibility, the acrobat becomes a ritual entertainer for the gods and the Ancient audience, as well. The acrobat depicted here has his legs arching over his head, as if alluding to the almost miraculous, sinuous contortions of a serpent. This fascination with acrobatic contortionists appears as early as the Olmecs. A fine representation of an acrobat grasping his feet appears on a late Olmec relief reportedly from the south coast of Guatemala. This delightful sculpture reveals to us an intimate representation of the acts that may have taken place during rituals and significant ceremonies. The ear spools and elaborate headband leads us to believe that this acrobat may have had royal status. His expression portrays a meditative trance by the half-closure of the eyes and the upturned mouth is reminiscent of a blissful smile. We are drawn again and again through this composition, compelled to pleasantly remember the acrobatic performances we once displayed in our own childhood.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico