REAL TRIBAL STATUE?

Anyone know what tribe/country this is from?
Is it real or a tourist piece? (I'm thinking real because it has a vagina which I don't think they would make for tourists, but I've never seen one with a hole/planter(?) in the head!
Finally, any suggestions on how to get the sharpie price off bottom? (I tried a magic eraser but that didn't work so I made the $19 into $49 so I could ask more with a obo (or best offer) price.
I appreciate any info on it.

 

I think it is a modern reproduction of pre-columbian figures from Colombia:

https://www.invaluable.co.uk/auctio...ino-cauca-pottery-seated-f-115b-c-6ff4873a87#


https://americas-artifacts.webflow.io/artifacts/00580-middle-cauca-region-seated-figure

 

I'm with 2many. Either a modern take on pre-Columbian, or a 'genuine' replica.
The presence of a vagina would only be a problem for a few prudish tourists, most wouldn't make an issue of it. Some might even buy it because of that.

 

That's what made me buy it! I thought because of it that MAYBE this was real tribal! (I've seen many tourist pieces but none that were anatomically correct.

 

Ah, see - it worked!

 

Let this be a lesson to all replica and souvenir makers around the world, always include private parts in a not so private way.

 

Hi JM,
I haven't tried any of these personally, but suggestions to remove Sharpie permanent ink include: alcohol (I assume isopropyl); toothpaste rubbed gently over the mark; WD-40; sunscreen (no indication of which SPF factor works best ); acetone (nail polish); or a paste of powder laundry stain remover (here we call in Vanish or Sard Oxy) rubbed by finger over the mark.
And if that doesn't work, you will still have had a nice nip of something to keep relaxed, clean teeth, no squeaks, no sunburn, smart nails and a very clean blouse!

 

Your brilliant and resourceful advice. I love it. I also think that marking items in anyway with Sharpies [we call them textas here] should be made illegal. If you can get the marks off, it is often heart in mouth as to whether it takes any of the original surface/patina off as well.

 

Tried the nail polish remover - usually works but I guess the pottery soaked it in some

 

Another thought. I know for porcelain one can soak a piece full of old ingrained dirt in a solution of water and bicarb soda?? or similar - will have to check that - for a while and then a gentle rub gets it out or a lot of it out. Perhaps you could try, not soaking your piece as it will also remove paint or whatever, but a poultice of this bicarb solution left on the mark and kept damp for a while to see whether it softens it or draws it out?

 

If it is a porous surface the ink probably penetrated when first applied. Using solvents may also drive it in. That said, I have found sharpie ink can be removed from some surfaces with a mixture of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and mineral spirits (white spirits). I have a dropper bottle of each and put a few drops on a Q-tip. Roll or rub it on the ink.

 

We need a prize for the most successful solution!