A colorful Nazca bowl dating from approximately AD 500-600 showcases a distinctive red, orange, brown, and tan star design with a central dot transformed into a phytomorphic motif. In Proulx’s “Sourcebook of Nazca Iconography,” on page 167, its interpretation suggests that it symbolizes a bisected San Pedro cactus renowned for its hallucinogenic qualities. The bowl’s interior and exterior walls are solid, bold red/orange. It measures 7.5″/19,05 cm in dia.
Nice example.
Provenance: Ex Carraher collection, Knoxville, TN. It was acquired in the 1970s and displays an inventory label on the bottom.
Price – Sold
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Inca Dish with Bird Head Handle
Discover the exquisite beauty of this small Inca dish (Chua) featuring a sparrow’s head handle. This shallow vessel was prevalent in its era, favored by the elite for serving delectable small portions. It is adorned in captivating Orange-ware, embellished with a mesmerizing black, red, and white polychrome paint palette. The interior imagery is thoughtfully divided into two registers, showcasing a central band adorned with white linear diamonds encircled by a black checker pattern against a vibrant red background. Two gracefully stylized catfish, painted in rich brown hues, dance over a creamy white backdrop. Segmented black lines define the outer band. The diverse forms and decorations across regions offer profound insights into interregional geographic linkages. Experience the allure of this rare artifact that unveils a captivating glimpse into the historical tapestry of its time.
Measures 5.5”/13,97 cm. in length from bird head to feet.
Machu Picchu region, Peru. Ca. 1400-1535 AD.
Condition: Strong color paint. Good mineral deposits. Some fainted pigmentation, otherwise in excellent condition.
Price $1,200
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Publicized Huari/Chancay False Head
A nicely carved Huari false mummy mask. Painted overall in red cinnabar or iron oxide. Facial features are in relief. Eyes are incised white with black pupils. Four cutouts behind the outer mask were used in the original suspension—a custom base included with the original label from Lands Beyond Gallery.
Measures 5.25″/13.33 cm in height and 4.25″/10.79 cm. in width.
7.5″ overall height on stand.
West Coast, Peru. ca. 900 – 1250 AD.
Condition: Restoration on the nose, otherwise in fine condition.
Provenance: Ex Bower collection. Lands Beyond Pre-columbian Art Gallery, NY
Price $2,250
Note: This mask is presently being publicized on the Latin American Studies website under Chancay Mummy Bundle Wooden Mask – Latin American Studies
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Fine Mayan Stone Dagger
A fine Mayan stone dagger. Bi-facially knapped with a thin handle and ridged sharp blades. Marbleized Gray-blue chert. The dagger is very symmetric with a well balance to the handle. Choice condition. Belize region 200 BC – 500 AD. Custom stand included.
Measures 9.5″/24,13 cm.
Condition: Choice
Price – SOLD
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Superb Michoacan Effigy Vessel
This is a superb globular effigy vessel from the Michoacan culture in Mexico. Ca. 100 B.C. – 250 A.D. Stands over 10″ in height. Cream paint over a highly burnished red slip. A sweet rectangular face on an extended rim with arms painted in front. An additional representation of a bird with outstretched wings in reverse on the sides. Ample dendrites and mineral deposits throughout.
A comparable example is published in The Teuchitlan Tradition, and a similar pot is owned by the American Museum of Natural History, albeit without the superior quality and size possessed by this Galeria Contici vessel.
Condition: Choice
Price $2,250
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Wood Staff with Janiform Heads
This robust carved hardwood pole staff has a double human head finial. Diamond-shaped eyes with heavy cheeks. Wears a large, tall plume. Some remaining red facial paint. Presumably, red cinnabar or iron oxide. Scattered stable age splits with normal overall surface weathering. West Coast, Peru ca. 1000-1250 A.D.
Measures: 31” in length. A mounting stand will be created without charge. Allow 5-10 working days for production.
Price $1,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Royal Chimú Ear Ornaments
A choice pair of substantial silver plated Chimú ear ornaments. Anthropo-zoomorphic repousse decorations surround the center ring. The outer parameter consists of eternity symbols. Excellent overall patina. Peru, AD 1400-1532. Measures 3.375” 8,57cm in diameter. Custom metal mounting.
These size earspools in silver and gold were known to be worn by the upper-class nobles and referred to as “orejones” (big ears) by the Spanish conquistadores (Guaman Poma 1615; Cobo 1983:208).
Provenance: Ex T. Funk, Melbourne, Florida collection.
Chimú Metalwork. The science of metallurgy was more advanced in Peru than elsewhere in the Americas. Deep mining was practiced, as well as smelting to remove metal from raw ore. Copper and tin were combined to produce bronze, which made more potent weapons and tools. Metalworkers also knew about casting, soldering, and riveting.
Deposition gilding and silvering were undertaken in the Northern and Central Andean regions using an elaborate technique that left a thin layer of gold or silver on the surface of a copper or bronze piece. The first step was to dissolve the noble metal particles in an aqueous solution containing acidic mineral compounds; the liquid was then neutralized by adding lime, and the piece was submerged in the resulting solution, where some of the precious metal was deposited on its surface. This technique is also known as electrolytic replacement gilding. The result is a thin, fragile layer of gold or silver that is heated to bond it to the surface of the metal and then polished to enhance the luster of the finished piece. The alloy has a high copper content, while the silver plating is achieved using the surface enrichment technique.
Price $7,800
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Costa Rican Stone Trophy Head
This finely crafted Costa Rican trophy head is a striking representation of ancient artistry, carved from a fine-grained basalt stone. The stone’s quality is evident in the smooth finish and the meticulous attention to detail in the facial features, which are strong and well-defined. This artifact hails from the Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, known for its rich cultural history and artistic traditions.
This piece, dating between 500 AD and 1000 AD, is a testament to the skill and artistry of the region’s ancient inhabitants. The head measures 17.78 cm, or 7 inches, making it a substantial and visually impressive object. Despite its age, the piece is in excellent condition, with only a minor repair to the lower chin. This repair is discreet and does not detract from the piece’s overall integrity or aesthetic appeal.
The trophy head likely held significant cultural or ritualistic importance, potentially symbolizing power or status within the community. The robust and expressive features suggest that the artist intended it to convey strength and authority. As a stand-alone piece, it commands attention and would be a compelling addition to any collection of ancient art. Its historical significance, coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship, makes it not only a fascinating artifact but also a valuable one. This piece offers a tangible connection to the past, providing insight into the artistic and cultural practices of the ancient societies of the Pacific coastal region of Central America.
Price $3,850
Early Guangala figurine
A rare example of a very early Guangala figurine from Ecuador, circa 500 BC – 100 AD. This piece depicts a female with incised patterns indicative of jewelry, clothing, and possible tattooing/ritual scarification.
These figures resemble earlier Valdivian (Venus) figurines and are mostly misrepresented as from the Machalilla Phase. The incising across this figure’s neck is thought to represent a necklace. As such, Guangala figures such as this example are among the earliest figurines in the New World to depict individuals wearing jewelry.
Measures 2”/5.08 cm.
Completely intact and in Choice condition.
Reference: Little People of the Earth, page 24, for comparable examples and further scholarly information.
A scarce and early Guangala figure from ancient Ecuador that displays well.
Price $550
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Jaguar Textile Ornaments
A sizable pair of Textile Ornaments with painted Jaguars from the Chancay culture, Peru. Ca. 900 – 1400 AD.
Colorful woven camelid and cotton textiles produce this unique pair of ornaments. The lower central roundel is painted with the upper torso of the Jaguar with fringes on the perimeter and possibly used as ear accessories. These are scarce items.
Minor textile loss otherwise in Fine condition. Measures approx. 11″ H, 4″ Dia.;
Displays beautifully on an all-metal custom stand 12.5″ H.
Price $1,295
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases