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THBCosta Rican Stone Deity / Shaman - Crocodilian
Lot 155
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,500 - $3,500
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Sep 27, 2018
Set Reminder
2018-09-27 10:00:00
2018-09-27 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/antiquities-asian-ethnographic-3469
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (390)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste-Nicoya, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Carved from a single piece of volcanic stone, a mesmerizing deity or male shaman with a crocodile visage or mask and scaly crocodilian arms, standing with hands to abdomen and wearing an elaborate tiered conical headdress that is adorned by 'beads' or 'feathers', a 'beaded' pectoral, and knee bands. Otherwise the figure is nude with pronounced genitalia and stands proudly. His fantastical visage stares ahead presenting an intimidating fang-bearing grimace and flaring nostrils. His large perforated ears and nose ring most likely once held decorative ornaments to further embellish the deity. Size: 13.75" H (34.9 cm)
Iconographic references to crocodiles and other animals known to exhibit predatory, aggressive, and oftentimes dangerous behaviors were quite popular in the Pre-Columbian world. However, the crocodilian order, comprised of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans (all treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology) was especially symbolic to the ancients of the Americas. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility.
See a similar volcanic stone male figure wearing a crocodile mask at the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint, Michigan (accession number 2007.145). He assumes the same pose as this piece and a similar headdress. (https://flintarts.org/art/objects/5362)
Provenance: ex-private Sneed collection, Florida, USA
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#138274Lower legs reattached. Expected surface wear commensurate with age.Condition
- Shipping Info
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