Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A collection of 4 Spondylus shell pendants and amulets, each hand-carved into zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms. The shells are white and rich pale orange, pink, and beige colors. The 2 larger, slightly curved pendants are in the form of an animal, probably a coatimundi. The creature has short legs and a long tail and upturned snout. Both are pierced to create an amulet. These playful animals were tamed as pets in ancient Mesoamerica. The next is anthropomorphic figure, with a shallow hand drilled cavity as eyes and mouth, and piercings on the verso for suspension. The last is the most abstract, a curved profile with string cut lines, perhaps an abstract lizard or caiman. Undoubtedly, these pendants held both symbolic and ritualistic meaning! Size of largest: 4" L x 1.25" W (10.2 cm x 3.2 cm)
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#165663
Condition
Losses to human figure's legs and arms. Natural ossification and pitting of shells. Chips and nicks to all. Light earthen deposits on all and scattered mineral deposits. Losses to suspension holes on human. Smallest pendant not recommended to wear, due to shell pitting around piercings. The two large elongated pendants could be wearable.