Mayan Polychrome Tripod Plate w/ Deer Head

Lot 21e

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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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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Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art by Artemis Gallery

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Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 10, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-05-10 10:00:00 2018-05-10 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Ethnographic / Asian / Ancient Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-ethnographic-asian-ancient-art-3213 Featuring antiquities from around the world including Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Classical, Asian, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, probably Mexico, ca 550 to 900 CE. A hand-built polychrome terracotta plate depicting the profile head of a deer on the tondo, with a kill hole directly through its eye. Note how the deer's mouth is open revealing teeth and a protruding tongue as if shrieking during a hunt. The deer head is encircled by stylized glyphs, perhaps relaying an important date. To the Maya, deer were immensely symbolic animals, oftentimes associated with the celestial realm and creation myths. For example, they are mentioned in the Popol Vuh, the Maya creation story. In addition, some Classic Maya depictions of the ball game depict representations of the deer hunt, with ballplayers dressed as deer. Deer heads, both real and artificial were and are still today worn by Maya in dances and ritual parades. Size: 11.5" W x 2.625" H (29.2 cm x 6.7 cm)

According to Peterson and Green's "Precolumbian Flora and Fauna: Continuity of Plant and Animal Themes in Mesoamerican Art", "The nimble speed and bounding grace of deer only partially suggest their fire and stellar symbolism and their recurring role in creation myths. As one of the most valued sources of meat, deer were also featured in ancient fertility rites. .. The deer is a consistent actor in Maya creation myths. Over time the animal played numerous roles in stories about the formation of the cosmos. Most frequently the deer is a metaphor for the sun during his courtship of the moon. The sun dons a deer skin disguise as part of his plot to regain his wife the moon." (Jeanette Favrot Peterson with essays by Judith Strupp Green, "Precolumbian Flora and Fauna: Continuity of Plant and Animal Themes in Mesoamerican Art"; Mingei International Museum, 1990, p. 22)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA

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#132287

Condition

Kill hole through the center, positioned through the deer's eye. Section of plate repaired from about a 4 to 6 pieces with visible break lines. Expected surface wear with scratches and areas of minute surface losses. Root marks and scattered mineral deposits.
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