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THBLa Tolita 22K Gold Ornament, Jaguar / Harpy Eagle Head
Lot 147d
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:
$40,000 - $60,000
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $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
Jun 4, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-06-04 10:00:00
2020-06-04 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-5185
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (393)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, La Tolita, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A magnificent 22K-24K gold ornament depicting a hybrid jaguar/harpy eagle hammered from gold river nuggets and finely modeled in repousse. The mythical creature is presented in profile with a large bulging eye and an open mouth/beak lined by a 'beaded' band perhaps to represent teeth, with fangs rising within. Atop his head are rounded jaguar ears and eagle feathers. The applied plumes are attached with hollow gold tubes as was typical of the first gold items made by South Americans (La Tolita , Frias , and Early Chavin). Such a luxurious piece, comprised of high quality gold and displaying the utmost artistry and workmanship, was likely created for a person of import such as a shaman, ruler, or warrior. Size: 6" W x 7" H (15.2 cm x 17.8 cm) Size: 6" W x 7" H (15.2 cm x 17.8 cm)
In addition to its impressive form, the iconography of this piece carries layers of symbolism. In the Pre-Columbian world, the eagle was thought to be an intimidating bird of prey admired for its immense agility and power. Harpy Eagle traits were incorporated into several supernatural entities, most well known being the Bird Monster (god III of the Olmec) defined by Joralemon (1976). The jaguar was a symbol of power and kingship throughout the Pre-Columbian world, signifying a fierceness as well as an individuality that the ancients identified with leaders in their society. Undoubtedly, the person for whom this piece was intended was a well-respected individual.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Ian Arundel Collection, Old Curiosity Cabinet, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected 1960 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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#155997Minute indentations and surface wear commensurate with age. Frill (feathers/ears atop the head) are attached to visage via hollow gold tubes; this was executed by the artisan who created this piece, as was typical of the first gold items made by South Americans (La Tolita , Frias , and Early Chavin). Unable to be weighed as it is attached to a backing for display purposes. Gold has developed a lovely warm patina.Condition
- Shipping Info
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All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
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