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THBValdivian Sandstone Owl Stela
Lot 114
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:
$2,000 - $3,000
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $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
Feb 18, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-02-18 10:00:00
2021-02-18 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-6373
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
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 (356)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, South America, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A skillfully-carved sandstone stela plaque depicting a highly-abstract owl of a tall, trapezoidal form. The curious bird's stylized visage is dominated by a pair of square eyes that project from a recessed area on top of a raised tab-like beak. A brief, concave neck connects the owl's head to its minimalistic body. Two incised curved lines section off each corner, perhaps representing a type of wing decoration. Boasting a smooth, sandy, beige surface, this intriguing figure was made by Valdivian artisans using string cut technology, wearing down grooves, and shaping corners. Size: 6" W x 13.625" H (15.2 cm x 34.6 cm); 14.375" H (36.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The ancient Valdivia culture of Ecuador was initially discovered by archaeologist Emilio Estrada in 1956, fairly recently in historic terms, and it is regarded as one of the oldest cultures of the ancient Americas. Interestingly, this culture still poses a bit of a mystery to scholars as no finite end to this culture has been identified yet; what's more, no sign of a cultural migration has surfaced. Most plausible is that the population somehow dwindled inspiring members of the communities to leave their settlements in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Ancient stone stelae from Ecuador, like this example, are some of the oldest stone sculptures known to exist in the Americas, dating as far back as 3500 BCE. Certainly each stele is unique; however, they do share a few common characteristics. They are usually carved from a pearly grey or beige stone and are for the most part "blockish" in form. The four most prominent themes of ancient Valdivian artistry include owls like this example, the "serpent/arrow," the sun chart, and the star chart.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; ex-William Siegal Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2009
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.
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#161618Repaired from several pieces with one break line barely discernable and all others only visible after very close evaluation. Some areas of applied paint to cover repairs. Expected surface wear with light nicks/chips and scratches as commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice.Condition
- Shipping Info
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