Incredibly Rare Proto Maya Stone Were Jaguar Hacha

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Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Nov 10, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-11-10 10:00:00 2022-11-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-11148
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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, late Olmec to Proto-Maya, Preclassic period, 500 BCE to 250 CE. An exceedingly rare serpentine head of a were-jaguar in profile- carved from a sizable piece of mottled stone. The tab shaped ear is pierced with 2 large suspension holes for receiving additional ornamentation, and the verso is flat and uncarved - suggesting the piece was intended to view from only the one side. This monumental piece may have been used as a "hacha," an item associated with the Meso-American ballgame. It is remarkable to realize that the artisans carved serpentine and harder stones, such as jade, using relatively "simple" (although labor intensive) means of production, including sand and water abrading, string-sawing, and stone percussive methods. The outcome of this time-consuming process includes magnificent pieces, such as this incredible head! Size: 6" L x 1" W x 7.75" H (15.2 cm x 2.5 cm x 19.7 cm); 11.75" H (29.8 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  For a similar example of this type of carving please see The Walters Art Museum online collection, accession number: 2009.20.233.
  
  The Mesoamerican ballgame was a ritual event that featured elaborate attire and accessories. The hacha was associated with the ritual Mesoamerican ball game though they were not actually part of the player's equipment. Instead, these were worn during ritualistic ceremonies related to the game. The name stems from the fact that they were believed to be axe-heads; hence the term hacha (Spanish for axe). Based on ceramic figures and imagery on stone carvings, some authors have proposed that hachas were meant to be attached to yugos (yokes), and others suggest that some of the hachas could have served as ball court markers. Their actual use is not yet clear, but they are often associated with yugos in burials.
  
  The Olmec are the ancestors of most Mesoamerican civilizations, and their artistic style, practiced in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico which diffused outward through extensive trade networks that stretched into northern Mexico and central America, were inspirational for those who came after. Scholars have demonstrated that the Olmec greatly influenced the subsequent Maya peoples. Cultural practices and manifestations such as colossal stone sculptures, sacred complexes, the ceremonial chocolate drink, ball games, and zoomorphic deities were passed on from this first major Mesoamerican civilization to those who followed. This face displays classic Olmec style - the visage is neither entirely human nor entirely supernatural; instead, it most likely represented an idealized entity that presents otherworldly aspects. The form of the downturned mouth, for instance, references the so-called were-jaguar, a mighty mythical being with human and jaguar traits. Were jaguars are characterized by their slanted eyes, high arching brows, and jowly cheeks- as if snarling. The were-jaguar was the primary supernatural entity, if not a deity, of the Olmec culture. A hybrid of man and jaguar, analogous to a werewolf, shapeshifting and transformative beings that may have functioned as familiars for shamans.
  
  Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
  
  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.
  
  #175133

  Condition

  Old loss to forehead as shown. Chipping and surface abrasiosn throughout Stable hairline fissures and mineral deposists in recessed areas. Facial features are well preserved.
• Shipping Info

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