This rare Jamacoaque ceramic figure from Ecuador, dating between 500 BC and 500 AD, is a remarkable example of the culture’s artistic craftsmanship. Standing 8 inches tall, it is depicted sitting on its buttocks, holding manioc tubers in both hands, an important crop in ancient Ecuadorian society, often associated with sustenance and ritual significance.
The figure wears a distinctive helmet adorned with a horn-like pointed object, possibly denoting status or ceremonial function. Its facial expression is highly animated, featuring arched eyebrows, deeply incised almond-shaped eyes, and an open mouth, suggesting speech or ritual chanting. A labret, or chin plug, is inserted below the lower lip, a sign of high status.
Adornments include large elongated ear ornaments and a necklace with a round pendant, enhancing its authoritative presence. A finely sculpted loincloth covers the lower body, while the hands, firmly grasping the manioc tubers, display carefully defined fingers that demonstrate the artisan’s skill.
Made from cream-colored terracotta, the figure’s burnished surface is smooth. Such figures were likely used in rituals or funerary contexts, representing revered individuals, ancestors, or spiritual beings within the Jamacoaque culture. Manabi region, Ecuador.
This piece is an excellent example of the Jamacoaque creativity and quality.
Provenance: Private Florida collection
Price: 1,250 – Domestic Delivery Included
A rare and finely crafted Aymara Tinka chicha drinking bowl from the Altiplano region of Bolivia, dating to the 16th–18th century. Produced from a single piece of wood, this ceremonial vessel has developed a rich, dark patina over centuries of use. The design features a pair of yoked animals centered in the middle, with side-carved handle straps, a motif that some associate with traditional wedding ceremonies. The term Tinka comes from Quechua and Aymara, referring to a ritual offering or act of reciprocity, reflecting the communal nature of these drinking vessels.
Tinka bowls like this were integral to Andean drinking rituals, where chicha, a fermented corn beer, was shared to honor Pachamama and strengthen social bonds. The presence of yoked animals suggests a symbolic connection to unity, labor, and agricultural prosperity, reflecting both indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influence.
This vessel measures 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) in diameter and 4 inches (10.16 cm) in height. It remains in excellent condition, with the exception of a professionally restored Age crack in the larger section. This Tinka chicha bowl has an impressive provenance: it was originally held by Greg Manning Galleries in 1997. Later, the Metropolitan Museum of Art issued written instructions for Greg Manning Galleries to transfer the bowl to Howard Rose of Arte Prima. Howard Rose then sold the bowl to Banks Primitive Gallery in Maryland, which subsequently sold it to collector Ron Krannich. This artifact is a significant and documented piece of Andean heritage, making it ideal for collectors of ethnographic and pre-Columbian material culture.
Price: S1,450. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Huari Trapezoid Copper Mace Head
This six-pointed copper mace head is supremely stout and has a unique isosceles trapezoid shape. One end is larger than the other. It is heavy and adequately sized to produce a very damaging weapon. Excellent condition with a lovely patina. Measures 3.5″ in dia. 1.5″ thick. Highlands of Peru. Ca. 650-1050 AD.
Provenance: Ex P. Goodman collection. Houston, TX
Ref: The Copper of Ancient Peru., Plate 129
Note: Upon request, a custom metal stand can be produced with a 5-7 day production lead time. No cost.
Price: $875. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Rare Lambayeque (Sican) Copper Ornaments
This exceptional set of Lambayeque (Sican) copper ornaments from ancient Peru (750–1375 CE) was fashioned for a ceremonial garment, showcasing the advanced metallurgical skills of this pre-Columbian civilization. Made from hammered copper sheet with precise perforation holes for attachment, the set includes a central half-moon-shaped backflap, segmented into three pieces. Surrounding this focal element are four distinct double zoomorphic repoussé motifs, each framing a humanoid figure, suggesting deep ritual significance. Eight additional rectangular and step-shaped plaques complete the arrangement, reinforcing the intricate composition of this rare assemblage.
Metallurgical analysis confirms the composition as 98.9% copper, 1.03% tin, and 0.07% zinc, highlighting the material sophistication of Sicán artisans. The entire set, arranged within a 12” x 16” x 3” (30.48 cm x 40.64 cm x 7.62 cm) black shadowbox glass display case, has been professionally restored (2005) and remains in very fine condition. Its completeness is extremely rare, making it a significant artifact of pre-Columbian Andean craftsmanship.
Price: S5,800. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Exquisite Ancient Maya Jade Maskette
This finely carved jade maskette is an exceptional example of ancient Maya artistry. Crafted from high-quality green jade with natural veining, this piece reflects the cultural and spiritual significance that jade held in pre-Columbian societies. The facial features are meticulously sculpted, showcasing almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, and full lips, all of which are characteristic of elite portraiture in Maya art. The ears are adorned with large circular ear flares, a distinguishing feature often associated with nobility and high-ranking individuals.
The maskette likely served as a ritual object, burial offering, or personal adornment, reflecting the deep spiritual and political importance of jade in Maya culture. Jade was considered a symbol of power, immortality, and divine connection, making artifacts like this highly valued both in their time and among collectors today.
Dating to the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period, approximately 300 BC to 600 AD, this artifact is in well-preserved condition with visible surface wear consistent with age. The fine craftsmanship and material suggest that it was created for ceremonial or elite use, possibly worn as a pectoral, attached to clothing, or included in funerary rites. Similar jade artifacts have been found in royal Maya tombs, reinforcing the idea that these maskettes played a significant role in religious and political symbolism.
This remarkable jade maskette is a rare and authentic piece of ancient Maya art, ideal for collectors, museums, and institutions seeking to acquire a historically significant artifact. Its exceptional craftsmanship, cultural importance, and well-preserved condition make it a standout addition to any collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
Price: S8,450. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Taino Shell Mask Pendant
An excellent Taíno shell pendant featuring a striking anthropomorphic mask design. The shell has been carefully carved and perforated to create a stylized face, with well-placed openings for the eyes and mouth. These pendants were likely worn as ritual or status symbols, embodying the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Taíno people of the Caribbean. Hispaniola, ca. 1000-1500AD.
This rare form exhibits beautiful natural weathering, indicative of age and authentic usage. The pendant measures approximately 2.75 inches in height and comes with a custom wooden display platform for secure presentation. The total height on the stand is 3.25”.
A remarkable example of Taíno craftsmanship, perfect for collectors of indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts.
Price: S385 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Exceptional Large Quimbaya Clay Spindle Whorls
This is a remarkable collection of nine large spindle whorls from the Quimbaya culture, celebrated for its artistic and technological innovations in ancient Colombia. Dating from 1000-1400 A.D. and originating in the Middle Cauca region, these spindle whorls were essential textile production tools, highlighting the ingenuity of pre-Columbian artisans.
Each spindle whorl is distinct, featuring linear cross patterns and decorative motifs, with some retaining white “Cal” residue (crushed shell) within the designs. The clay exhibits natural shades ranging from red to light grey and has a buff surface with visible mineral deposits that underscore its age. These exceptional artifacts resemble those illustrated in Colombia Before Columbus (p. 100), emphasizing their cultural and historical importance.
The spindle whorls measure an average of 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) in diameter and 1.25 inches (3.17 cm) in height. Despite minor edge chipping, they are in choice condition, preserving their integrity as functional tools and works of art. Accompanied by a vintage wooden display frame with glass, measuring 12 by 10 by 3 inches, the collection is presented in a way that reflects its historical significance.
The Quimbaya people of the Middle Cauca region are widely recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship in ceramics, gold, and textiles. Spindle whorls were vital for spinning thread, a fundamental process in producing textiles for everyday purposes, trade, and ceremonial functions. These tools also served as canvases for artistic expression, as evidenced by the intricate designs that adorn each piece.
The motifs and patterns on these spindle whorls reflect the Quimbaya culture’s attention to detail and ability to infuse utilitarian objects with artistic and symbolic value. These artifacts provide valuable insights into this advanced civilization’s daily life and material culture, making them highly sought-after pieces for collectors and historians alike.
This collection comes from the Stover Collection, acquired in California during the 1980s. The spindle whorls are preserved in a wooden frame with glass that complements their display while showing some signs of use and protecting their integrity.
Price: S500. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Taino Cacique Duho Ritual Seat
This exceptionally rare Taino duho, or ceremonial seat, dates to approximately AD 1000–1500 and was used by the Taino elite during sacred rituals and council gatherings. Few examples of such duho wood seats exist, making this artifact a prized cultural heritage.
The seat is crafted from lignum vitae (ironwood) and features stout legs to support the owner’s weight. The elaborately carved backrest includes a concealed “ghost or spirit face,” a recurring motif in Taino art. The front of the duho prominently displays a Zemi head, representing a powerful ritual central to Taino cosmology, further emphasizing its role as a sacred object. Finely detailed carvings enhance the piece, including large ear ornaments, showcasing its ceremonial importance and the elevated status of its owner. The duho measures 16 inches (40.4 cm) in length. Hispaniola.
The relatively small size and the vertical slit in the backrest—a well-established Taino symbol representing the vaginal cleft—indicate this duho may have been used by a female of high hierarchical rank. Male duhos, in contrast, often feature carved genitalia, making this piece especially significant in exploring gender roles within Taino society.
Provenance:
This artifact is part of the ex-collection of Flor Maria Alvarado and Carlton Rood of the Dominican Republic. Carlton Rood was a U.S. diplomat and author of A Dominican Chronicle (1965–1969). Alfredo Carrada acquired it from Mr. Rood in 1989, adding to its documented and esteemed history.
Price: $14,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Rare Maya Jadeite Face Pendant with Red Pigment Traces
This exquisite Maya jadeite face pendant is a masterpiece of ancient artistry and cultural significance. Carved in low relief, the handsome and youthful face features finely detailed yet understated elements of Maya craftsmanship. The almond-shaped eyes are gently incised, conveying a serene and contemplative expression. The nose is prominent and angular, reflecting the stylized proportions often seen in Maya carvings, while the softly sculpted lips suggest a stoic and introspective demeanor. Surrounding the face are intricate, flowing designs that may represent ceremonial headdresses or symbolic motifs, enhancing its visual impact and cultural importance.
Crafted from jadeite with a natural palette of rich green hues and soft white tones, the pendant retains areas with faint traces of red hematite and cinnabar pigments. These sacred pigments emphasize its ceremonial role, as red was deeply symbolic in Maya culture, representing blood, life, and renewal. The Maya civilization, renowned for its complex iconography and vibrant murals, extensively employed red pigments derived from hematite and cinnabar (mercury sulfide). These pigments adorned stone stelae, murals, ceramics, and codices. Red symbolized the life force and often highlighted depictions of deities, rituals, and elite figures. The durability of these pigments ensured that Maya carvings and inscriptions retained their vivid details over centuries, preserving their artistic and cultural legacy.
Perforations along the sides suggest this pendant was once worn as an ornament or incorporated into ceremonial attire. Measuring 2.25 inches tall, it is a striking work of art and a tangible connection to the spiritual and artistic traditions of the ancient Maya. Motagua River Valley, Guatemala. Classic Period. ca. 250-900 AD.
Provenance: Morales, CA.; Ex-U. Cruz, UT.
Price: S7,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Ancient Sultepec Diorite Maskette
This exquisite Sultepec stone maskette, standing 3.75 inches in height, exemplifies the refined minimalism of ancient Mesoamerican artistry. Carved from dark green diorite, the polished surface highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of its ancient creator.
The facial features are understated yet skillfully executed. The eyes are represented by deeply incised horizontal slits, imbuing the piece with a tranquil and contemplative expression. A sharply defined triangular ridge forms the prominent nose, serving as the central feature of the mask. The mouth, subtly recessed and delicately carved, enhances the overall sense of serenity and balance.
The reverse side of the mask has been meticulously pecked out, suggesting a functional or symbolic purpose. This compact masterpiece offers a glimpse into the sophistication and spiritual depth of ancient Sultepec culture, making it an extraordinary artifact of historical and cultural significance. Guerrero region, Central Mexico. Pre-Classic period, ca. 600 BC – 100 AD.
Provenance: Private Florida Collection. Ex-Dong Lu collection, New York.
Price: S6,500 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases