thoroughly engaged in lively conversation with their heads cocked towards each other, the male gently wrapping his arm onto his highly pregnant companion's back, one hand to her check and the other above her belly, each simply adorned with pendant earrings, noserings and necklaces, the striated coiffure and black resist designs on the torsos, the slender legs folded beneath.

Galerie Mermoz, Paris
Marion and Mark Lynton, acquired from the above in 1977

Cologne, Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, Out of the Depths, Tomb Figures from West Mexico, July 4, 1986-January 11, 1987

Out of the Depths, Tomb Figures from West Mexico, Foreword by Peter T. Furst, Cologne, 1986, front and back cover and fig. 6

Excellent appear intact except for small loss of female's PL tip of ear. Wonderful modeling.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This remarkable couple is one of the most expressive and intimate depictions of a lively exchange between expecting parents. As an example of rare joined figures celebrating marriage and family, the figures capture a spontaneous personal moment, while depicting a universal rite of passage of the imminent arrival of a new generation. Their highly similar features, jewelry and body decoration are conventions to show clan lineage and ancestry.
As Townsend notes, the ceramic couples are noted for an element of humor and festivity, "This atmosphere of celebration and the occurance of such pairs across the region indicate their importance as markers of an especially critical rite ..." (Townsend, ed. 1998:125). 
For other joined couples, see Butterwick (2004: Fig. 35), and Meighan and Nicholson (1989:102, Fig. 57).

"For every marriage essentially repeated the primordial📖 union of male and female creative forces, who set time into motion ....even before bringing the levels of the sky, the water, and the earth into being." (Townsend in Ho🍸lsbeke and Arnaut 1998:27).