Pre-Columbian Huastec Pottery Head of a Dignitary

Mexico, Ca. 500 AD. A pleasing molded symmetrical head wearing a fancy headdress with a spool atop, necklace and ear ornaments. Strong mineral deposits Size: 5 in H.; 7-1/4 inches height on stone base. Provenance: From the estate of Dr. William K. Emerson (1925 – 2016), NYC.  Dr Emerson was Curator Emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History for four decades. Bill got his PhD at UC Berkeley before moving to NYC in 1955. Over a distinguished career he discovered and classified more than 100 species of mollusks on numerous voyages into the Pacific, published six books and 100 plus articles. Bill retired in 1995 as Chair of the Department of Invertebrates. He was an avid collector of pre-Columbian art throughout the 60s and 70s.  This was acquire from Kenneth Hartwell, From the estate of Dr. William K. Emerson (1925 – 2016), NYC.  Dr Emerson was Curator Emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History for four decades. Bill got his PhD at UC Berkeley before moving to NYC in 1955.