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THBVeracruz Terracotta Whistle of a Female Coast Watcher
Lot 568
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:
$600 - $900
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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
Oct 17, 2019
Set Reminder
2019-10-17 10:00:00
2019-10-17 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Early Fall Variety | Ancient & Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/early-fall-variety-ancient-ethnographic-4538
Discover incredible lots relisted with new, lower start prices (up to 50% less), plus many items brand-new to auction. Step back in time and around the world – you’ll be amazed at the treasures you will find. Antiquities from the Classics, Asian, Pre-Columbian African and much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Discover incredible lots relisted with new, lower start prices (up to 50% less), plus many items brand-new to auction. Step back in time and around the world – you’ll be amazed at the treasures you will find. Antiquities from the Classics, Asian, Pre-Columbian African and much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (774)
- Lot Description
**Originally Listed At $400**
Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A superb hand-built terracotta nude female "coast watcher" seated with one leg folded beneath the other. Her tubular arms drape gently to bent knees and flank a pair of engorged breasts as well as a distended abdomen, perhaps indicative of pregnancy. Her visage exhibits a serene expression, gazing ahead as if in a trance-like state, with finely-delineated eyes, a prominent nose, and a protruding mouth completing her features. Enormous ears display drilled earspools, and three plaited lobes of hair are colored with chapapote, a thick, black, bituminous substance made from petroleum-rich earthen deposits. A whistle mouthpiece rests underneath her posterior, and a tone hole on her back produces a lovely tone when used. Complete with a thick necklace and large pectoral, this is a wonderful and functional figural example! Size: 5" H (12.7 cm).
The term “coast watcher” was originally designated to figures like this example as their appearance suggests they would sit and wait along the coastline to scout for possible invaders. Although the term is one originating in modern times, archaeologists believe that these figures probably represented individuals as indicated by personalized ear plugs, necklaces, facial expressions, and even posture. Some historians have indicated that these figures may not have been “coast watchers” at all, but rather shamanic individuals who could have perhaps drawn their powers from the roiling current of the ocean.
For a similar type, see “Ceremonial Sculpture of Ancient Veracruz,” Hillwood Art Center, Long Island University, 1987.
Provenance: private Andrade collection New York, New York, USA, acquired 1960's; ex-Knoedler & Company, New York, New York, USA
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.
#131175Age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks to base, and minor chips to black coloration, otherwise intact and choice. Nice earthen deposits and light root marks throughout. Whistle produces lovely sound when used.Condition
- Shipping Info
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