Head of clay?

Hi, any ideas about this guy? I don’t think he’s modern because the man I got it from said that it was his mother’s, and this guy was about 80. Measures about 2” wide. In glass frame which is sealed shut, so no shots from side or back. Thanks in advance!

 

I would guess a tourist piece, maybe from Veracruz.

 

The style is typical of fragments found at the site of Teotihuacan, in Mexico. There has been an active trade in reproductions and souvenirs in that area since at least 1906, when the Mexican government began official excavations. Looting had been going on since the middle of the 19th century.

http://www.ancientresource.com/lots/precolumbian/teotihuanaca.html

 

Very interesting! That the trade and reproductions started so long ago. The one in the post in the glass frame looks old and antique (well to me)

 

What does the glass frame or box look like? Also is that a newspaper back cover? Any dates on the newspaper perhaps? I would think that if you are truly serious and interested to really find out the age/origin then you will have to open the frame and take it out for close examination (well that’s what I would do)

 

Interesting point to consider the newspaper. Looks like it might be from Plano, TX. I might open the frame when I get back from traveling but it’s offering some protection until then

 

Let me know if you find the name of the newspaper. There have only been a few local papers in Plano. Also, since the city didn't take off until after desegregation, the newspaper clipping itself is most likely post '64...

 

Sorry, it said piano, not Plano. The ads are from New York City, and it seems like most of these companies were around late 19th century… Weber Piano-Fortes, Sapolio Soap, Stereopticons, Domestic Sewing Machine Company… the stereopticons are advertised by James W. Queen and it looks like their New York office may have been in operation from 1860-1893, or somewhere in that window. This piece was found in Connecticut, an hour or two from nyc.