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THBInca Copper Mace Head of a Feline - ex-Sotheby's
Lot 97
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:
$4,000 - $6,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Oct 11, 2018
Set Reminder
2018-10-11 10:00:00
2018-10-11 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities | Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-art-3500
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (417)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A cast copper mace in the form of a feline head - probably representing a jaguar. The mace has a long, cylindrical socket that likely once had a wooden or bone handle. The face is deeply incised to give the impression of fur around the nostrils and eyes. The ears are large and inlaid, as are the eyes, with pale red stones. The mouth is depicted open, with two rows of sharp teeth peeking out from inside of it. This item was never made to be used in battle, but instead was a symbol of prestige. The jaguar represents one of the most powerful creatures in the ancient Andean bestiary, admired by people for its wildness, fierceness, and power. Size: 2" L x 2.75" W x 3.75" H (5.1 cm x 7 cm x 9.5 cm)
Luxury crafts like this one demonstrate the incredible skill that Incan metalsmiths achieved - these were specialized, full-time artisans who worked for the Inca emperor or other important elites. The Inca employed sumptuary laws, so that only people at the pinnacle of society could commission such objects. However, they could be given as gifts, and thus find their way into the possession of people outside the nobility. small items like these were probably given out for services rendered to the ruling class, precious for their association with the emperor.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection; ex-Sotheby's, New York (May 28, 1997, lot 231)
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.
#137888The stones from one eye and one ear are missing. One ear has some surface cracking. Otherwise in beautiful condition with excellent preservation of details, attractive mottled green patina, and light deposits in the lower profile areas.Condition
- Shipping Info
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