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THBOlmecoid Stone Maskette, Smiling Visage
Lot 103
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:
$5,000 - $7,500
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Bid Increments
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| $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 29, 2023
Set Reminder
2023-06-29 10:00:00
2023-06-29 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Ethnographic and Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-and-fine-art-13031
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (339)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, late Olmec to Proto Maya culture, ca. 550 to 300 BCE. A remarkable greenstone maskette boasting a uniquely jovial visage of a shaman in the midst of a spiritual transformation into a jaguar, replete with verdant hues and expertly-formed physiognomy. Jowly cheeks, puffy eyelids, and a broad nose all comprise the classic Olmec presentation, and perforations to both ear lobes suggest additional ornamentation was present at one time. The fleshy face is surmounted by a prominent, raised crest - another typically Olmec characteristic that suggests the practice of skull modification. A pair of biconically drilled holes near the top shows how it would be suspended. Note the sparkling natural deposits of mica that add an overall mystifying quality to this transformative piece. A fabulous example in which the blending of both lifelike relatively naturalistic and contrasting abstract representation is simply mesmerizing. Size: 3.1" W x 3.9" H (7.9 cm x 9.9 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.
To the Olmecs, masks and maskettes 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. In addition, notice that the fleshy, bilaterally symmetrical lips are slightly open so as to reveal the toothless gums of a youthful person, and there is a raised cleft. According to scholars, this was the Olmec symbol for corn or maize, which was a crop of such sublime significance to ancient Mexico that it took on religious import from a very early date. A remarkable example, impressive for the artisan's adept carving technique, an indisputable penchant for refined artistry, the inherent beauty of this stone, and the meaningful iconography of the form.
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: private Espanola, New Mexico, USA collection, gifted via descent, from a collection acquired in 1971
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.
#175725Some chipping to chin and headdress with expected nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice remaining detail.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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