Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE; Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero-Mezcala, ca. 300 to 100 BCE. A fine selection of three pre-Columbian sculptures; a Colima greenstone mace head, a Colima shell amulet, and a Guerrero greenstone simian carving. Boasting a silky smooth surface in mottled hues of hunter green and sage, the Colima greenstone mace head presents in the form of a figure bending backwards around the central socketing hole, so that his feet touch the top of his head. The second Colima example is carved from creamy pink spondylus shell and displays two standing anthropomorphic figures holding lengthy implements to their faces and wearing brimmed-hats, while a petite animal, possibly a monkey, stands atop the hat of the taller figure. Last, theGuerrero sculpture depicts the form of a seated monkey exhibiting a long, arching tail behind a petite body, with a minimalist visage composed of drilled eyes, an ovoid mouth, and a rounded forehead. Size of largest: 1.75" W x 2.875" H (4.4 cm x 7.3 cm); Size of custom frame: 14.5" W x 8" H (36.8 cm x 20.3 cm)
The figure's arms are curved up to its recessed legs, and a biconically-drilled hole allows the piece to be suspended as a pendant. All of these remarkable pieces demonstrate pre-Columbian artisan's command of string-cutting techniques resulting in marvelously abstract forms that appeal to contemporary sensibilities!
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#163231
Condition
Plaster on verso of coral sculpture, likely from previous display. Expected light nicks and minor abrasions as shown, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas.