Figurine - Replica of a Pre Columbian statuette - Angina Pectoris

A distinctive vintage collectible figure, based on the image tradition of the Nayarit culture from western Mexico. The figure stands out immediately for its strongly forward-leaning posture, drawn-in shoulders and arms close to the upper body. This expressive pose was medically interpreted in the 20th century as a representation of physical distress and pain. On the plinth sits “Angina pectoris – Nayarit, Västra Mexiko, ca. 400–800 A.D.”. That dating refers to the historical example on which the reproduction is based and not to the age of this object itself. The posture therefore does not imply with certainty that a heart attack is depicted; similar Nayarit representations were historically documented in medical literature as well as interpreted as an asthma attack. The representation is closely related to figures from the famous Weisman Collection of Pre-Columbian Medical Sculpture, in which Pre-Columbian images were studied for their possible depictions of diseases and bodily ailments. Parts of this documented collection are currently housed at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH), Bethesda. The piece sits on the original dark wooden plinth and retains the original historic labels, including the Sedolatan and Hoechst labels. Sedolatan was a Hoechst trade name for prenylamine, a drug formerly used for angina pectoris. In Sweden, Sedolatan was registered by Svenska Hoechst AB. Thus this figurine forms a special connection between pre-Columbian-inspired art and the history of 20th-century pharmaceutical medicine. Specifications: * Height including plinth: ca. 13 cm, width: ca. 7 cm, weight: ca. 218 g. * Material: terracotta/ceramic-like material on wooden plinth. * Dating: second half of the 20th century; exact production year unknown. * Style: Pre-Columbian / Nayarit / archaeological revival / medical curios. * Provenance: execution for the Swedish market; exact production site unknown. In private ownership since 2020. Condition: excellent vintage condition with appropriate signs of age and wear; original plinth and labels present. An unusual and intriguing 'conversation piece' for a display cabinet, curiosity cabinet, art collection, or collection of medical history. Shipping: carefully and shock-protected packed, with extra protection around the figure and plinth, and sent in a sturdy box with tracking.

Estimate:$202.26

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