Authentic Pre-Columbian Veracruz Artifact ca. 3rd to 7th century CE Shaman or Coast Watcher with Provenance & Certificate of Authenticity

Authentic Pre-Columbian Female Shaman or Coast watcher artifact. Artifact from Veracruz Culture dates circa proto-Classic period ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A wonderful figure of a seated woman known as a coast watcher. She sits on crossed legs with her hands resting upon her knees. She is nude but for an applied necklace and headdress. Incised lines on the arms represent bracelets, and small perforations through the ears may have once held additional ornamentation. Her eyes are incised, while her nose and large lips protrude from her face. Thick, black, bitumen is painted on the headdress. The bare breasts and slightly rounded stomach may indicate that she represents a pregnant woman. Size: 3.5" W x 5.75" H (8.9 cm x 14.6 cm)The term "coast watcher" was originally designated to figures like this example as their appearance suggests they would sit and wait along the coastline to scout for possible invaders. Although the term is one originating in modern times, archaeologists believe tha