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THBIncredible Maya Bloodletting Tool - Fossilized Wood
Lot 81
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
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,400 - $5,100
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $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
Nov 18, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-11-18 10:00:00
2021-11-18 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Art & Artifacts of North America
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/art-artifacts-of-north-america-7894
Join us for a special auction not to be missed! Collectible Native American art from antiquity to mid-20th century, Spanish Colonial, Latin American, Pre-Columbian, fine & folk art, American frontier items, fossils, and much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Join us for a special auction not to be missed! Collectible Native American art from antiquity to mid-20th century, Spanish Colonial, Latin American, Pre-Columbian, fine & folk art, American frontier items, fossils, and much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Guatemala and southern Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 700 to 900 CE. An incredible ancient bloodletting instrument, made from a fossilized piece of wood hollowed out and carved into the shape of a head with very classically-Mayan features. The face is dominated by a long nose that projects from the forehead - in fact, we believe that Mayans may have practiced some kind of cosmetic enhancement to get that bump on their forehead at the top of the nose. Iridescent white shell forms the eyes, giving them a blank, staring look. The top of the head is pierced, with a copper ring through them, perhaps so this item could be threaded through a belt or otherwise worn. A needle-like bone, probably made from a large bird bone based on its weight, extends from the underside of the head; it was set into the hollowed out area at the base of the head. Size: 1.75" W x 7" H (4.4 cm x 17.8 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Bloodletting was a ritual practice used throughout ancient Mesoamerica, from the Olmec onward, and the Maya elite seem to have been particular enthusiasts of the practice; it is detailed in countless paintings on ceramics and stone carvings. Archaeologists have found obsidian blade, stingray tails, and bone needles, all believed to have been used in this practice, which allowed an individual to experience a heightened state of consciousness and thus communicate with the gods. The blood given also served as a sacrifice, the price paid by high ranking and royal Mayans in order to contact the supernatural.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Colin Arundel collection, by descent from Ian Arundel collection, California, USA, the Old Curiosity Cabinet, Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California, USA, collected 1950 to 1970
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 or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#132527The wood is in fragile condition. Bone has been reattached at base. Extensive deposits on wood and bone surface. Deep green patina on the copper ring. Bone tip has obviously become blunt over time.Condition
- Shipping Info
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