Need help on a Maya Pottery Figurine

Hello, I bought this figurine from a local estate sale.
I wonder if it original or reproduction?
He looks like a worrier

 

In the style of. It is a very nice one though, I wouldn't mind having it sit on my desk.
Prices for these older 'replicas' are good, though nothing compared to actual Maya pieces of course.

 

Thank you for the comments. Do you know the approximate age of this item?

 

I saw similar ones in Mexico in the 70s, if that is any help.

 

The hole underneath is SLIP CASTING and is one way of separating old from new.
Slip casting, in general, is a process developed for high speed, low skilled factory production. In other words, slip casting usually means new or reproduction or at the very least, modern.

 

Interesting. Suppose the original piece is also hollow inside, a ventilation opening is necessary, I have seen those in old porcelain. Unless the old original piece is solid, there must be a hole somewhere.

 

There is no original of this piece, this was made in the style of Maya terracotta figures, it is not a replica of an old one.

 

No, this figure is not slip cast. It is hand modeled, built up with small clay elements (although some elements may have been made with simple molds). The hole is to allow hot gases to escape from the hollow portions of the body during firing, as @jingyel said. Your figure was probably inspired by the Mayan ceramic figurines found on Jaina Island. The touches of blue color imitate a unique pigment produced by Mayan artisans made by heating indigo and palygorskite, known as "Maya blue".

A slip cast figure would typically be made of a higher fired ceramic (not terracotta/earthenware, like your figure), would have thin walls that follow the exterior contours, and have a larger hole in the base. They are created by pouring slip (a liquid slurry of clay) into a mold, letting it set for awhile, and then pouring the excess liquid back out.

 

Hey I've got a question. I have one just like yours. Have you found out anything else about it? I assume it is Mayan, who makes it and value? THX.

 

as AJ said...this was made in the style of Maya terracotta figures, it is not a replica of an old one.
and
I saw similar ones in Mexico in the 70s


the thread is 3 years old , and has not been added to as far as the item or it's possible value.

you may wish to start your own new thread , with photo's and descriptions in an effort to glean new information from current members !!