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THBMaya Carved Shell Pectoral - Royal Bloodletting Scene
Lot 168
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:
$25,000 - $35,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
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| $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 10, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-06-10 10:00:00
2021-06-10 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-7012
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Viking, 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
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Viking, 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 (408)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classical, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A very rare depiction of a bloodletting ceremony finely carved on a conch shell pectoral. The white shell surface is carved with two figures facing each other above a geometric pattern. The right figure is larger than the figure on the left, denoting rank and elite status as the royal queen. The ritual between them consists of the queen passing a rope studded with thorns through her tongue, while the priest or other attendant watches it unfold. Many Maya ritual objects used for the ceremony have been found, and although somewhat grisly, a fully depicted bloodletting scene is a thrill to find! Size: 8.5" L x 5" W (21.6 cm x 12.7 cm); 9.25" H (23.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Bloodletting was a ritual practice used throughout ancient Mesoamerica - scholars posit that the Olmec and the Maya elite were enthusiasts of the practice. 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 Maya peoples in order to make contact with the supernatural.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex- Ian Arundel collection, California, USA, the Old Curiosity Cabinet, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected 1950s to 1970s
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.
#159628Surface wear, nicks, and chips commensurate with age. Natural pitting of shell material. Rare scene depiction!Condition
- Shipping Info
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