Bronze? Dancing Indians? On Copper sheet On Wood

Hi all,
I found these yesterday at my local thrift store. I think they are Azrec/Mayan gods?

Are these old?
Are the figures bronze?
Are these art? Or just souvenir pieces?

PS - they measure 9.5" x 12"

Thanks for info!

 

The first one represents the The Dance of the Quetzals - ancient ceremony of pre-Spanish origin, named after the sacred quetzal bird. It is generally performed at religious festivals in the mountain regions of the states of Puebla and Veracruz. Choreographically it is extremely active, at times even acrobatic. The costume is strikingly original. Keyed in red, its dominant feature is the great circular feather headdress which the dancers manage to carry skillfully through the rapid movements of the dance. The music, produced by a flute and a small drum, is primitive and penetrating; and its rhythm is further accentuated by a rattle used in the dance.

 

Aztec and Mayan.

Debora

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batab

Debora

 

Thank you!

 

Thanks Debora; think souvenir?

 

No, not souvenirs. Decorative pieces, I'd think.

Debora

 

Google image search came up with one on instagram.

https://share.google/images/ltlAxzFXOrASfRF47

Then the ai mode gave this, right? wrong? I don't know.







This sculpture is a notable example of the work of
Sergio Bustamante, a prominent Mexican artist known for his surrealist and imaginative metal and paper mâché creations.

Artist and Work Information

• Artist: Sergio Bustamante (born 1949), a renowned Mexican sculptor based in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.
• Style: His work often features humanoid figures with celestial or animalistic themes, frequently blending different metals like bronze, brass, and copper.
• Similar Works: Bustamante has created various wall-mounted and standing sculptures with similar motifs, such as "Acrobatic Sun" and "Danza del Venado". His collections frequently explore themes of poetry, emotion, and visual metaphor.

Identification Details
The piece shown is a wall-mounted sculpture depicting a stylized figure with an elaborate, fan-like headdress that resembles a celestial body or a ritualistic dancer. Bustamante's signature style is characterized by the smooth, polished bronze of the human figure contrasted with the textured, silver-toned metal of the decorative elements.

 

I saw that name when I searched them, but I didnt see a signature, so I assumed it wasn't.
It'd be a great find if they were by him!

 

Totonac and Maya. This style Quetzal dance is danced by the Totonac, not Aztec.

 

Thank you, @Any Jewelry, for the correction.

Debora

 

I like these pieces. He also does fun whimsical work.Weirdly enough to me,these have a 40's Calif MCM Deco feel to them-wish he explored this vein more (less fairy tales and parrots).
Here's the dollars & cents J-
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Bustamante&_sacat=0&_from=R40&LH_Sold=1&_sop=16

 

Am I missing something? Those don't look anything like the work of Sergio Bustamante.

Debora

 

google ai is so often wrong.

I did find a few that are similar on worthpoint but I don't see any maker information. I don't have an account there but the last listing I think is also on terapeak as sold in 2023 for $24 +shipping if it helps.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-mexico-aztec-copper-brass-4676873407

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pair-mixed-metals-mexican-aztec-4652574008

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/mixed-metals-mexican-aztec-tribal-4653788761

 

There appear to be a whole series of those, portraying different regional gods and dances of México. I continue to think decorative.

Debora

 

The tag on the Batab one may have the initials DB (db) after the title.

 

I read that as "Batabob" which is the plural.

Debora

 

Think you're correct. But there's only one of him? Unless part of a series?