Unknown Colima artist, Colima region, western Mexico. Comala-Style Seated Drinking Figure, 100–1 BCE. Slip-painted ceramic, 14  ½ x 10 x 7 inches. Denver Art Museum Collection: Gift in memory of L. K. Land, 1991.498.

height: 14.5 in, 36.8300 cm; width: 10 in, 25.4000 cm; depth: 7 in, 17.7800 cm

Mayer Center, Arts of the Ancient Americas

Arts of the Ancient Americas

This object is currently on view

Drinking Warrior
Colima, Comala style
200 B.C.–A.D. 300
Mexico, Colima
Earthenware with colored slips
Gift in memory of L. K. Land, 1991.498

West Mexican male ceramic figures were frequently portrayed brandishing spears or slings, and wearing basketry or leather armor.   Local warfare was probably common in the region, and military prowess an essential male attribute.  This figure may represent war’s aftermath: a victorious warrior’s celebratory drink from a gourd cup.  Slung from his shoulders are two trophy heads, probably taken from defeated warriors.  Jars from the same region (including 1991.487) are decorated around the shoulder with a series of trophy heads.

• "The Nature of Looking: The Spiritual in Art", Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs, CO, September 23, 2000-January 14, 2001