The pre-Columbian Mayan stone skull is a rare and highly significant artifact from the Maya culture of Mesoamerica. The Maya civilization was renowned for its art, architecture, mathematics, and astronomy, and the symbolic importance of skulls in their culture cannot be overstated.
The Maya viewed death as a transition to another realm, not an end. Skulls were often incorporated into rituals, art, and offerings, symbolizing the soul’s journey beyond death. They held significant meaning for the Maya, representing death, rebirth, and transformation.
This particular stone skull is a stunning example of Maya craftsmanship. It was skillfully carved from stone, and its surface exudes a primal power. The eyes are open-worked and are integral to the large cavity underneath. The cheekbones are exaggerated, and the entire skull shows remnants of a red pigment treatment, likely cinnabar, which would have created a dramatic theatrical effect when exposed to fire and heat. This would magically produce a shiny liquid mercury skull.
Some areas of the skull appear darkened or turned black due to the high intensity of this heat. Scholars refer to this substance as Metacinnabar. The overall patina on this artifact is simply beautiful and in excellent condition, making it a true gem among Maya artifacts.
Measuring 6 inches in length, this stone skull is believed to have been created between 450 and 650 A.D. in Guatemala. It is a valuable and fascinating piece of Maya history that continues to captivate scholars and collectors alike.
Ex- Marty Matz. Acquired 1970’s; J. Alexander, Watsonville, CA
Price $22,500
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Weaver’s BasketA large Chancay weaver’s basket made of woven rush. Personal assortment of tools which include numerous painted wooden spindles, metal and clay whorls, several small bundles of colorful yarn with a piece of textile, cotton, a cactus thorn comb, small pottery vessel, several bone implements and a Spondylus shell. Excellent condition. Lima region, Peru 1200 A.D. – 1400 A.D.
Measures 13.5″/34.29 cm L, 5”/12.7 cm W, 3.25”/8.89 cm H.
Ex J. Espinosa, Canada. Imported from Brazil in early 1980s.
The Valdivian culture, an ancient civilization that thrived along the coastal regions of present-day Ecuador, is renowned for its unique stone carvings, notably the enigmatic stone owl imagery. These artifacts, dating back to around 3500 BCE to 1800 BCE, offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and spiritual dimensions of the Valdivian people.
Archaeologists and historians believe these stone owl carvings held cultural and ceremonial importance within the Valdivian society. Owls, commonly associated with wisdom and mystery in various cultures worldwide, likely played a symbolic role in the spiritual beliefs of the Valdivian people. The precise meaning of the owl imagery remains a subject of scholarly debate, contributing to the allure and mystery surrounding Valdivian artifacts.
Unearthed at archaeological sites along the Ecuadorian coast, these stone owls highlight the Valdivian civilization’s connection to its natural surroundings and its capacity for artistic expression. The artifacts provide valuable insights into this ancient society’s cultural practices, religious beliefs, and artistic sensibilities.
In summary, the Valdivian stone owl imagery represents a distinctive facet of pre-Columbian art and spirituality. Through these artifacts, we understand the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Valdivian people and their enduring legacy in the annals of South American archaeology.
This is a beautifully large-sized Valdivian limestone plaque. Bas-relief with deeply incised carvings. Calcium Carbonate incrustations throughout. Chebe Region, Ecuador. Phase 8. Fine Condition. It measures over 11″ in height.
It is mounted on a custom metal stand.
Price $3,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
A Standing Olmec Baby-Face Figure
This gorgeous white-cream hollowed figurine belongs to a specific subset of artifacts and represents the Olmec class of human “baby-face” figures. These delicate pudgy figurines are notable for their intricate craftsmanship and are believed to have had ritual or symbolic significance in Olmec culture. It showcases traits akin to well-nourished individuals. The Olmec civilization might have shown a keen interest in nurturing children and the mythical ties between the growth of infants and the cycles of agriculture. These sculptures meticulously capture realistic skin folds and subcutaneous fat, symbolizing abundance and ample resources. This representation could be a portrait of a maternal elite or can be interpretative of a crop fertility figure. Her left hand embraces her stomach while the right hand extends to her lower back. The face exhibits crisp features like slit-stylized eyes, a broad upturned nose, a downturned open mouth exposing her jagged upper teeth, squared ears with large open earplugs, and an intricate hairstyle and turbine on her elongated head. Notably, the center part of the figure’s back, head, and bottoms of her feet feature iconographic cross-vent elements, possibly alluding to the symbol of divinity.
Hollowed body. Made from a pinkish-colored clay. Covered in white-cream slip and red pigment. Possibly powdered cinnabar and red ochre, and likely employed in anointing the tomb where this figure found its place.
She stands independently, but a custom stand will be fabricated to provide a safer platform and extra support.
It is rare to find an Olmec standing babyface figure.
Ca. 1200 – 400 BC
Gulf Coast, Mexico
Measures: 8.5” in height.
Condition: Fully intact – Choice
Provenance: ex-old private Coral Gables Collection, Acquired in the 1960s-1970s by inheritance.
Price $14,500
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Inca Bird Plate