Authentic Nayarit, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE Pre-Columbian Seated Figure Artifact w/ Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance-

Authentic Pre-Columbian Nayarit Culture statue dating from Protoclassic Period, ca. 300 BCE to 350 CE. Exquisitely made and highly burnished terracotta figure shown with a recognizably somber attitude and a traditional pose of mourning. The nude figure sits with both legs outstretched and arms folded as the elbows rest on the knees. A series of raised dots representing ceremonial scarification adorns each shoulder, while an applied collar necklace rests below the head. An opening on the top of the figure's back serves as a vent hole for the firing process. Capped with an elaborate coiffure or headdress comprised of three striated cords, the ancient figure's woeful visage is further embellished with impressed eyes, a large nose with a septum adornment, and an open, wailing mouth, all flanked by two ears adorned with embellishments. The body is painted with deep red and black pigments. Size: 5 7/16" H (13.81 cm). Piece has beautiful patina with areas of earthen and manganese mineral depo