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
Valdivian – Machalilla “Venus” Figurine
A solid Venus figurine from the Machalilla culture, Ecuador. Supersedes in form, the modeled figurines of terminal Valdivian “Venus” types: coffee bean eyes and salient nose. Light red pigment stripes on the face and legs are a possible indication of tattooing. A peculiarity among Machalilla figurines are rows of perforations along the head’s edge or the ears’ edges – probably used to suspend hair, feathers, or other material as adornments. Measures 2.75”/6,98 cm in height. La Ponga, Ecuador. 1100-1500 BC. It is a very scarce item. Completely intact and in Choice condition.
Reference: Karl Dieter Gartelmann, Digging up prehistory – The Archaeology of Ecuador. Pg. 54
Price $1,175
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chimú Wooden Ceremonial Figure
Highlighting the importance of marine resources in their diet, the Chimú culture of Peru depicted fish in their pottery and textiles. Due to their coastal location, the Chimú culture likely relied heavily on fish as a dietary staple. The consumption of fish provided a vital source of protein and essential nutrients for the Chimú people. Fish may have been prepared through various methods such as grilling, smoking, or drying to ensure preservation and availability throughout the year. Fish imagery often symbolized abundance, sustenance, and the interconnectedness of their coastal lifestyle with the sea. The representation of fish in Chimú art suggests a cultural emphasis on maritime activities and the importance of seafood in their culinary practices.
The Chimú people primarily sourced wood from local trees to create intricate art objects. They used wooden materials, such as Algarrobo and huapango, for carving and crafting. These materials were abundant in the coastal regions where the Chimú culture thrived. The use of wood in their art allowed for the creation of diverse items, including ceremonial objects, masks, and valuable items, showcasing their skill in woodworking and integrating natural resources into their artistic expressions.
The arid climate of this region has provided extraordinary conditions for preserving these archaeological materials.
This sizable and intricate sculpture depicts a Chiefton in ceremonial practice.
It is an impressive standalone wood carving. He wears a tethered headdress. Facial features are exaggerated. Eyes are wide as if in a hallucinogenic state. Measures 15.5″/39.37 cm in height on stand. 13.6.25″/23.60 cm without. Natural separation at base otherwise in excellent condition. Rich patina. West Coast, Peru. Ca. 1100 – 1450 A.D.
Price $2,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Border Panel Fragment
Cotton and wool (camelid), bands of plain weave, slit tapestry weave with wrapping outlining waves, and edged with plain weave extended weft loop fringe—lovely earth tone colors of brown, dark beige, and blue with good color preservation.
Chancay culture, Peru. Ca. 900 – 1400 AD.
Panel measures 19″ H, 15″ W
Beautifully displayed in a modern, elegant, designed floating plexiglass. 23” H, 19” W. Hardware included.
Price $1,695
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Sizable Mixtec Stone Figure
The Mixtec culture thrived in the Oaxaca region of southern Mexico from around 900 CE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Known for their intricate artwork, including stone figures, the Mixtecs excelled in metalwork, pottery, and codex painting. They developed a hieroglyphic writing system preserved in codices containing historical and genealogical information.
Mixtec society had distinct social classes based on lineage and noble status, including rulers, priests, and commoners. Their religious practices involved elaborate ceremonies dedicated to a complex pantheon of deities associated with natural elements and celestial bodies.
Significant urban centers like Monte Albán and Mitla showcased impressive architecture, including pyramids, palaces, and ball courts. Agriculture played a vital role, with terrace farming cultivating crops like maize, beans, and squash.
Engaging in extensive trade networks, the Mixtecs exchanged goods with neighboring cultures like the Zapotecs and Aztecs. Despite facing challenges, including conflicts with neighboring civilizations and Spanish colonization, Mixtec cultural influences persist in the indigenous communities of the Oaxaca region today.
This sculpture is a sizable seated ancestral Mixtec figure. The sandstone is grey-pink. He is in a squatting position with his hands propped to his knees. Facial features are aggressively robust. Wide eyes with teeth bared as if he were in a hallucinated state. He sports a short bob hairstyle and a squarish adornment. Also, he wears a loincloth and straight ears-flares. Measures 8.5″/21.59 cm; 10.5″/26.67 cm on included armless type wood base. Some repair to hands and feet. Earthen deposits throughout. Oaxaca region, Mexico. Ca. 700 – 1500 A.D.
Price $2,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases