Taino Shell Mask Pendant

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Taino Shell Maskette

 

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

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Ancient Colombian Weaver Tools

 

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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Taino Cacique Duho Ritual Seat

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Wooden Taino Duho

 

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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Rare Maya Jadeite Face Pendant with Red Pigment Traces

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Maya Jadeite Pendant

 

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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Ancient Sultepec Diorite Maskette

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Sultepec Stone 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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Mezcala Stone Carved Face Mask or Ornament

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Mezcala M-15 Stone

 

This Mezcala stone carving showcases a strikingly abstract human face meticulously shaped from smooth gray stone (M-15). The oval form features deeply carved facial elements, including angular brows, a wide, prominent nose, and a subtly indicated mouth. The minimalistic design reflects the Mezcala culture’s emphasis on capturing the essence of human features rather than detailed realism, lending the piece a timeless and iconic aesthetic.

A particularly notable feature is the rare “V” cut at the top of the head, a highly desirable element among collectors and connoisseurs of Mezcala artifacts. This unique indentation is thought to hold spiritual or ceremonial significance, possibly symbolizing a connection to the divine or serving as a ritualistic focal point. Including this feature enhances the artifact’s cultural importance and distinguishes it as an exceptional example of Mezcala craftsmanship.

The artifact’s surface displays a weathered patina that testifies to its antiquity while preserving the clarity of its carved features. Though its original purpose remains uncertain—whether as a ritual mask, an ornamental piece, or a representation of an ancestor—it is widely believed that such objects were integral to ceremonial practices, often serving as offerings or spiritual symbols.

This rare Mezcala stone carved face ornament is a standout piece, offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a fragment of ancient Mesoamerican history. Its refined simplicity, coupled with the mystique of the “V” cut, makes it a significant addition to any refined collection. Measures 4.75″ H; 5.5″ H. on a custom metal stand.

Condition: Choice, with a well-preserved patina that attests to its authenticity and age.

Provenance: Ex – T. Tomaszek, Blackstone, MA. Acquired 1970’s

 

Price: $5,850 – Domestic Delivery Included

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Inca Tumi, Peru, ca. 1400-1500 AD – Copper Knife, Llama

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Inca Copper Tumi

 

This Inca copper tumi ceremonial knife from Peru dates back to the Late Horizon period, ca. 1400 – 1500 AD, a peak era for the Inca Empire’s artistic and ritual advancements. Expertly crafted, this pre-Columbian artifact stands 8.75 inches (22.2 cm) tall with a striking 6-inch (15.2 cm) wide blade, highlighting the skilled metalwork of ancient Andean artisans. Topped with a finely detailed llama head, the Inca tumi holds cultural significance, as llamas were essential to the Inca Empire for transport, wool, and ritual. The animal’s expressive face embodies the Inca’s symbolic reverence for llamas. The copper has a rich, natural brown patina.

Adding to its uniqueness, this tumi includes an inlaid band of alloy placed three-quarters up the shaft, just below the llama’s head. This rare and unexplained feature is considered to be an Inca innovation (Bray 1990, p. 310) that showcases an advanced and lesser-known Inca metalworking technique that adds both mystery and significance to the artifact.

Traditionally reserved for sacrificial and essential ceremonies, the tumi symbolizes Inca beliefs and advanced metallurgy. This particular tumi’s llama finial reflects the cultural heritage of the Inca, who viewed llamas as sacred symbols of prosperity and fertility within Andean cosmology. The Inca’s reverence for the llama, alongside their skill in metalworking, is captured in the animal’s expressive face.

The tumi’s semi-circular blade is thought to echo the shape of the sun, potentially linking the knife to Inti, the Inca Sun God, a revered figure symbolizing divine energy. This shape would have imbued the knife with additional symbolic power in Inca rituals.

The Inca Empire demonstrated highly advanced metallurgical skills, especially in copperwork, during this period. This artifact exemplifies the sophisticated techniques of ancient Andean metalworkers, including smelting, hammering, and detailed finishing. Such craftsmanship reflects the elevated status of metalworkers in Inca society and the ceremonial importance of items like the tumi.

Condition: Choice, with a well-preserved patina that attests to its authenticity and age.

Provenance: Ex-Private Florida collection; previously held by S. Handbury-Madin in the UK.

 

Price: $2,850 – Domestic Delivery Included

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An Exquisite Taino Bone Purging Stick

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Taino Purging Stick

 

The Taino purging stick, also known as the spatula, vomitivo, or vomit stick, was a significant tool in spiritual cleansing rituals. Carved from materials like bone, wood, or shell, it was used to induce vomiting, symbolizing the expulsion of impurities before sacred ceremonies, particularly the ritual. This ritual involved inhaling a hallucinogenic substance to communicate with the gods or zemi and was led by the cacique (chief) and spiritual leaders called behiques.

The behiques would use the purging stick for physical and spiritual purification, preparing themselves for divine guidance that would benefit their community. The stick, often elaborately decorated with carvings of zemi figures, further emphasizes its spiritual importance. Found in archaeological sites, these purging sticks offer profound insight into the Taino’s deeply rooted belief in the necessity of purification before communion with the divine.

The purging stick, a crucial part of Taino religious life, represents the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. It played an essential role in preparing leaders as intermediaries between the people and the gods, symbolizing power and spirituality in Taino culture.

This superb vomit stick is attenuated and tapering at the tip. Possibly made from Manatee bone. Boldly carved with the highly stylized crocodile with almond-shaped eyes. Incised symbolic motifs along the carved spatula. Measures 12.5 in Length (31.75 cm.) Extraordinary size. Dominican Republic 1000-1500 AD.

Provenance: Private Georgia Collection. Acquired by way of inheritance in the 1970s

 

Price: $5800. – Domestic Delivery Included

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Olmec Pottery Head Fragment

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Olmec Head Fragment

 

A nicely executed clay head from an Olmec figure. Molded in white pinkish clay. This piece demonstrates hallmark Olmec characteristic, which includes a flattened elongated head, downturned slit eyes, and mouth. The nose is upturned. Both nose and mouth have some loss. He wears an earplug.
Condition. The fragment has some minor loss. Some small amounts of old mounting adhesives are visible on the back. A hole on the bottom of the head was created for mounting. It is not permanently affixed to the stand.
Mexico ca. 1000 – 500 B.C.
Measures 3″ in Height. 6.5″ on included wooden stand.

Provenance: Private Georgia Collection. Acquired by way of inheritance in the 1970s

 

Price: $295 – Domestic Delivery Included

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Maya Stone Mask of Young Pakal the Great

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Maya Stone Mask

 

This Maya stone mask presents an intriguing portrayal of a male figure, likely depicting Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal, the renowned Mayan ruler, also known as Pakal the Great. The finely sculpted face features stylized characteristics typical of Maya artistry, suggesting this mask represents a noble or deity, possibly Pakal, in his youth. The highly detailed facial features, including deeply carved, almond-shaped eyes, a broad, prominent nose, and a solemnly parted mouth, reflect the craftsmanship associated with elite Maya figures. The distinctive bob-like hairstyle, with its unique middle part and straight vertical lines, further indicates the mask’s cultural and ceremonial significance. It is carved from fine-grained limestone and bears manganese dendrites, which attest to the stone’s age and reinforce its connection to the time of Pakal. These dendrites, formed over centuries, add to the historical value of this remarkable piece, linking it directly to the Classic Period of Maya civilization, which spanned from 250 AD to 900 AD, with Pakal ruling from 615 AD to 683 AD.

Measuring 7.75 inches tall, 3.37 inches wide, and 2.5 inches in depth, the mask is slender and features a hole at the top designed for suspension, suggesting it could have been used as an elaborate pendant. The back of the mask is concave, adding to its functionality and wearability. Unique in its depiction, this mask stands out, as no known publicized masks portray a younger Pakal, making it an exceptional and rare find. With its commanding presence and intricate details, this mask offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic and cultural expressions of the Maya, particularly during Pakal’s era.

Provenance: Private Georgia Collection. Acquired by way of inheritance in the 1970s

 

Price: $18,500 – Domestic Delivery Included

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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases