In the ancient Americas, skilled craftspeople made luxurious goods restricted for the right and the entitled. Their culture crafted these prized objects for ritual and regalia, using their most valued materials. Jade, rather than gold, was the most precious substance to the Olmecs and the Maya in Mesoamerica, and the Incas and their predecessors in the Andes valued feathers and textiles above all.
Uncover the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of this Pre-Columbian Olmec were-jaguar transformation mask, originating from Mexico to Guatemala and dating back to around 900 to 600 BCE. Meticulously carved from dark green omphacite jade, this expressive masterpiece features a square jaw, feline eyes, and a trapezoidal mouth with a flared upper lip, creating a strikingly realistic feline face. The absence of a typical headband allows for a more dramatic expression, surpassing even the most theatrical Olmec visages known. Delve into the details, from bean-shaped eyes with drilled pupils to prominent nasolabial folds emphasizing curved fangs.
This exceptional full maskette, measuring 4.1″ W x 5.3″ H, showcases additional features like lengthy ear flaps and an impressed striation on the top of the head. Explore the significance of the green color and jaguar symbolism, reflecting growth, renewal, and power in the pre-Columbian world. The Olmec would have considered this jade mask an exceedingly valuable and rare piece of ceremonial art.
Explore this mask’s remarkable attention to detail, highlighting expressive lips, a cleft palette in the jaguar mouth, a full nose with pierced nostrils, stylized elliptical-shaped eyes, and partially drilled circular motifs at the mouth corners. Unraveling the meanings of Olmec masks, scholars speculate on the symbolic significance of green – linked to vibrant growth, renewal, and cyclical rejuvenation after death. Delve into the pre-Columbian worldview, where jaguar imagery represented power and might – Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans all identified with this formidable creature, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World.
The overall height mounted with this custom stand is 7.3″ H (18.5 cm).
Condition: Polished face with a partly smooth back. No fractures. Completely intact in choice condition.
Provenance: L. Smyth, Florida. Acquired 1970s – 80s.
Accompanied by a hardbound CIRAM Scientific Analysts report attesting to its authenticity and Ruffner Art Advisory Fair Market Value report. Copies are available upon request.
Reference:
A similar example can be found in Dumbarton Oaks in Washington DC under accession number PC.B.020. Additionally, another example depicting a slightly earlier period in the transformational process can be seen at The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 1977.187.33
Sotheby’s New York sold another similar Olmec jade mask for $481,000 during their “African, Oceanic, And Pre-Columbian Art” auction on May 16th, 2008 (sale number N08444, lot 14).
Appears in the advert section in the July/August 2020 issue of the Apollo – International Art Magazine and Dec/Jan 2020 issue of the Native American Art Magazine. Native American Art Magazine
You may also preview this Olmec Mask via YouTube by clicking here: Olmec Were-Jaguar Mask.
Price $178,000 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Valdivian Monolith Six Sided Stone
Valdivia 8 (Piquigua Phase) Atahualpa site Ecuador. It succeeds in the Palmar Incised type—Ultra Rare near-choice stone. The monolith limestone block in bas-relief is embellished with resounding, wide excised carvings on all six sides. Four rectangular sides and two square top and bottom. She is overseeing the cosmos from all directions. These Valdivian stones are probably the purest abstraction of human form. Outstanding piece. 3000 – 1450 BC. Measures 10.5″/26,67 cm in height by 3.5”/8,89 cm wide respectively.
Provenance: Collection of the Landazuri Family Estate, New York, NY, acquired in the 1980s.
Price 16,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Inca Capacocha Spondylus Miniature Effigy
A charming miniature Capacocha female effigy. They were made from the cherished orange Spondylus shell. They would have been covered in clothing and placed with the sacrificial child as an offering to the god. Nicely detailed throughout. Ca. 1400 AD. Height is 1.75″ / 4.44 cm—excellent condition with deposits.
Displayed on custom wood pedestal. Overall height is 5”/12.7 cm on stand.
Provenance: Ex M. Schmitt – Amiguet’s Ancient Art. Ex-Private California collection
Price $1,245 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Funerary Doll False Head
An outstanding Chancay funerary doll with a false head. It is finely made and unrivaled in size. It is composed of wrapped reeds, sticks, and vegetal fibers. The head is a wooden plank painted red, and the eyes are diamond-shaped in white with a separated nose in brown. Wears a yarn wig woven textile headdress embroidered with spiritual serpents. Gauze tunic and textile apron garment. Holds a textile bag with both hands, containing a large string ball. Measures 20″/50.80 cm in length. Extremely Rare. Chancay Valley of central Peru. Ca. 1000 – 1250 A.D.
Ex. Hunt Fine Arts, NYC.
The majority of these dolls have been found in graves. Presumably, it was not intended as toys but to serve the dead.
Price $5,200 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Costa Rican Stone Sukia
This finely crafted small sculpture, carved from rough volcanic stone, depicts a seated nude Sukia medicine man from the Guapiles region of Costa Rica. From 1000 to 1500 AD, this piece showcases the artistry and cultural significance of the region’s ancient inhabitants. The medicine man sits with arms crossed, a pose that likely held symbolic meaning, perhaps representing a figure of wisdom or authority within the community.
Despite its compact size, just under 5 inches tall, the sculpture captures remarkable detail, particularly in the finely rendered facial features. The artist’s skill is evident in the careful attention given to the expression and posture, which convey a sense of calm and introspection. The small platform on which the figure is seated adds to its stability and presence, making it a striking piece despite its modest dimensions.
The sculpture has sustained some damage to the front of both feet, likely during antiquity, which adds to its historical narrative. However, this minor wear is separate from the overall condition of the piece, which remains excellent. The slight imperfections only enhance its authenticity, serving as a reminder of its journey through centuries.
As an artifact, this Sukia sculpture offers a glimpse into the spiritual and social practices of the Guapiles region during the pre-Columbian era. It is a testament to the skill and cultural depth of the ancient artisans who created it. This piece would be valuable to any ancient art collection, offering historical significance and artistic beauty.
Provenance: P. Goodman, Houston, TX
Price $695 – Domestic Delivery Included
Atlantic Watershed Standing Stone Figure
This impressive sculpture represents a standing nude woman, meticulously carved from rough volcanic coarse basalt stone. Originating from the Atlantic Watershed, Linea Vieja region of Costa Rica, dating from around 300 B.C. to 300 A.D., this piece is a remarkable example of early pre-Columbian artistry. The figure stands solidly on her wide feet, exuding a sense of stability and presence. Her posture, with both hands supporting her breasts, symbolizes fertility, a common theme in ancient art that underscores the cultural significance of womanhood and reproduction.
The figure’s coiffure, a lengthy and straight hairstyle that falls gracefully to her waist, adds a refined touch to the otherwise rugged material. This careful attention to detail suggests that the artist focused on the symbolic aspects and aimed to capture the elegance and beauty of the female form. The artist carved the piece in the round, making it fully three-dimensional and allowing it to be appreciated from any angle, which enhances its overall impact as a stand-alone work of art.
Standing at a substantial 16 inches in height, this sculpture is hefty and commanding. Its fine-to-change condition speaks to the quality of the basalt stone and the craftsmanship involved in its creation. Despite its age, the sculpture has retained its integrity and continues to convey its time’s cultural and spiritual values.
This artifact would make a significant addition to any collection. It offers a glimpse into ancient Costa Rican society and serves as a powerful symbol of fertility and womanhood. Its size, condition, and historical importance make it a valuable and visually striking piece of pre-Columbian art.
Price $1,850 – Domestic Delivery Included
Nicoya Teeth, Stone and Shell Choker
This stunning, colorful choker necklace is from the ancient Nicoya region of Costa Rica. It is a remarkable example of pre-Columbian jewelry artistry, dating back to approximately 100 BC—500 AD. It showcases a harmonious blend of natural elements and vibrant colors, symbolizing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
At the heart of the choker is a light-colored tube stone, which serves as the central focal point of the piece. This stone is elegantly flanked on both sides by twelve Ocelot canines, with six on each side. The Ocelot, a medium-sized spotted wild cat native to Central and South America, was often revered for its strength and agility, making these canines decorative and potentially symbolic in ancient Costa Rican society. The largest of these canines measures an impressive 1.25 inches (2.92 cm), adding to the choker’s striking visual appeal.
Various colored stones, including jadeite and spondylus shells, enhance the natural beauty of the canines. Jadeite, a stone of great significance in Mesoamerican culture, was often associated with life, fertility, and power. The deep green jadeite stones contrast with the brilliant orange Spondylus shells, which were highly valued in pre-Columbian times for their rarity, vibrant color, and symbolic significance. Combining these materials creates a vivid and captivating aesthetic that reflects the skill and creativity of the ancient artisans.
The choker has been carefully re-strung to an approximate length of 14 inches (35.56 cm), ensuring its durability and wearability in the modern day. This process respects the original design while allowing the piece to be comfortably worn or displayed. Additionally, the choker can be re-designed to accommodate the specific preferences of the wearer, offering a unique opportunity to personalize a piece of ancient history.
This extraordinary choker is a beautiful piece of jewelry and a tangible connection to the past, offering insight into the craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural practices of ancient Costa Rica. Its vibrant colors, natural materials, and historical significance make it a rare and valuable addition to any collection.
Provenance: Kent Bond Gallery, Tampa, Florida
Price $1,200 – Domestic Delivery Included
Mezcala Stone Head Pendant
Precolumbian Mezcala semiabstract stone faces represent intricately carved artifacts from the Mezcala culture, distinguished by a distinctive artistic idiom. Characterized by a fusion of realism and artistic interpretation, these stone faces intricately capture facial features in a stylized manner. Emblematic of the Mezcala civilization’s ritualistic milieu, these artifacts are a testament to this ancient Mesoamerican society’s cultural and artistic proclivities, whose cultural zenith extended from approximately 700 B.C. to 200 A.D.
This attractive head pendant is carved from a speckled dark green stone and exhibits embellished relief with semiabstract facial features. Triangular in shape with an angled top. A suspension hole was drilled in the upper rim, with an additional deep startup hole below it. Guerrero, Balsas River region, Mexico. Ca. 300 B.C.
Measures: 2.75″. Intact in excellent condition.
Provenance: W. Fiore, Westfield, NJ
Note: This display stand is for illustrative purposes only. A custom stand can be requested free of charge with a production lead time of 10 days.
Price $1,225 – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chimú Blackware Double Stirrup Vessel
Pre-Columbian Andean communities utilized decorations to convey religious sentiments, express devotion to gods, showcase individual or community identity, and symbolize personal values and beliefs. Animals held particular importance in Andean mythology and were commonly featured in their decorative expressions.
This is a lovely Chimú black-ware mold-made double stirrup vessel with a bridge handle. The body has decorations and features a crescent headdress figure tethering two llamas or deer surrounded by dots in relief. The design alternates and repeats around the bottle’s circumference—measuring 7.5″ in height.
Condition: Rim and surface chip on the lower portion of the body, otherwise in excellent state. Mineral deposits throughout.
Provenance: Ex R. Saint, Bridgeport Ct.
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Guanacaste-Nicoya Jade Bird-Celt Pendant
Pre-Columbian Jade from Costa Rica. Bird celt with a smoothly flowing shape sets off admirably the quality of the stone and its polish. Gorgeous pale sea-green jade with veins of white. Rounded triangles in relief indicate wings. Eyes are set in a broad groove, surrounded by a rim that resembles spectacles, and further emphasized by an incised line that continues onto the beak. A pair of wide knobs on the head generally gives a resemblance to the local Nicoya great horned owl. The back displays a flat sawed surface, partially smoothed with a broken septum. Additionally, there are two drilled holes on each side of the head, allowing for suspension and wear of this object.
H. 4.125”/10.48 cm. Choice to near choice condition. Guanacaste-Nicoya region, Costa Rica. Ca. 500 B.C. – 500 A.D.
Price $5,200 – Domestic Delivery Included