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THBOlmec Stone Shaman / Jaguar Transformation, ex-Schmitt
Lot 165
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:
$4,000 - $6,000
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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
Mar 9, 2023
Set Reminder
2023-03-09 10:00:00
2023-03-09 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (413)
- Lot Description
**Originally Listed At $3000**
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A captivating greenstone figure shown in the process of a shamanic transformation into a jaguar with mesmerizing, feline eyes and a were-jaguar mouth that gapes open to showcase the still-growing sharp fangs. His arms lengthen and his shoulders jut back as though shaping the front legs of the beast with his left hand already resembling a paw. The figure's standing pose begins to bend at the knees to form hindlegs, as his back slopes forward, moving him toward the crouch of a quadruped. In addition to his transforming body, his head is quite interestingly shaped: lengthened at the top as characteristic of the Olmec, but also uniquely extending backward. Pear-shaped heads, like this figure's, were a sign of high status among the Olmec and were likely due to an artificial cranial deformation. Size: 1.8" W x 6.1" H (4.6 cm x 15.5 cm)
To the Olmecs, statuettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. A breathtaking work of art, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful greenstone mottled with veining of various shades of green, white, and black hues.
A similar Olmec stone figure was sold by Sotheby's New York for $12,000 on May 17th, 2007 as lot 57 (The Saul And Marsha Stanoff Collection, Sale Number N08386) and again at Arte Primitivo for $12,500 as lot 12 on September 28th, 2022.
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.
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.
#174975Losses to proper right arm and right side of right leg and top of head. Minor chip to top left side of head, stable hairline fissure to head, and a few small nicks and light scratches to surface. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining detail and earthen deposits in areas.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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