A collection of 72 back issues of Latin American Antiquity, a quarterly scholarly publication from the Society for American Archaeology, is for sale. This comprehensive set includes every issue from Vol. 1 (1990) to Vol. 15 (2004), as well as Vol. 17 (2006) to Vol. 19 (2008), making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the archaeology and epigraphy of Latin America. The journals are packed with articles, reports, and reviews by professional archaeologists and cover all aspects and regions of Latin American archaeology, with a heavy focus on Mesoamerica and the ancient Andes. The topics covered range from the earliest Paleoindian populations to the Contact Era states, such as the Aztecs and Incas. The journals are well illustrated with line drawings, photos, graphs, charts, tables, maps, and profiles and are in excellent condition with solid bindings. You can click the link for a comprehensive list of this set’s articles, reports, and reviews.
Comprehensive List of Articles, Reports, & Reviews – Click Here
Price $1,085
Log in to the SAA for full journal access here.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Myths and Symbols
Published 2004
Fernando and Edgar Elorrieta Salazar introduce the world to a new and profound view of Andean myths that they have decoded and converted into history and reality by studying semiotics, aesthetics, and archaeoastronomy.
Cultural myths function as a way of conceptualizing and organizing something a group holds in common. Its connotation is ideological and serves to cause one to believe that this “something,” whether it be shared values, attitudes, or beliefs, is natural, normal, of common sense, and may even be valid. The Andean myths contain sacred history and material testimony that reflect current events. – Publisher
160 pages with over 200 color photos
Enlightened and Cultural Reading
If you are searching for a book that ties together Andean mythology, Incan Historical Data, and a new approach to those applications and relevancies today, this book will impress you.
“The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the newest addition to Andean myth and sacred symbolism with a unique cultural twist unexpected from a book of this genre. The Salazar brothers offer profound views of Andean myths that, with the help of native shamans and historians, have been able to decode through the application of semiotics, aesthetics, and archaeoastronomy”. – Healthy Warrior
You may also purchase this book from our Etsy platform here.
The Copper of Ancient Peru
A comprehensive source on pre-Columbian Peruvian copper. Specialists and collectors highly seek after them.
Oversized hardcover 9.5” by 12” coffee table book. It offers a brilliant display of objects chosen from premiere collections by well-established authors to be artistic and informative, as well as representative of copper’s critical place in Peruvian history. The work illustrates the sophisticated techniques and rich symbolism of the pre-Columbian Peruvian copper in a beautiful hardbound volume with exquisite photography. Excellent material analysts on Copper but also includes Gold and Silver.
Paloma Carcedo Muro; José Antonio de Lavalle Vargas; Rosario de Lavalle de Cárdenas
This is an oversized heavy book in excellent condition.
Five hundred ninety-six pp.; 207 color plates, interior glossary paper coating, index, Biblio. Text in Spanish and English. 1998. Cloth 23×30.5 cm.
Depicted on the dust jacket is the most feared Moche deity named Decapitator God—Mylar protector.
Note: We were fortunate to have acquired two unique pieces published in this book: Moche “Ai Apaec” Tumi and Moche “Symbolic Erotic Scene” Tumi.
Moche “Ai Apaec” Tumi can also be seen here.
World of Spirits in Pre-Columbian Ecuador
An elegant 17th century house on Cuenca Street in the historic center of Quito, long known as the Casa del Alabado (the House of Praise), is today an important museum of the same name. The Casa del Alabado Museum conserves some 5,000 archaeological objects created by the ancient peoples who occupied the territory known today as Ecuador and a finely honed selection of 500 pieces makes up the museum’s permanent exhibition. Here, through superb photographs and expert texts, this book brings this unique collection of Pre-Columbian art to a wider public, explaining the worldview and philosophy of indigenous Americans, in particular the importance of preserving life by maintaining the flow of cosmic energy and spiritual communication between the distinct worlds that made up their universe. The objects themselves, amazing in their aesthetic and technical excellence, are masterworks created by ancient artists in a range of raw materials.
By Ivan Cruz Cevallos
Pgs. 224
Out of Stock
Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture
A 5-volume set spans the centuries from the earliest civilizations of the Olmec, Maya, and Chavin to the present day. The region is broadly defined to include South America, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the historical Spanish borderlands north of the Rio Grande that are now part of the United States. The set emphasizes political, economic, and social history yet recognizes those elements of material and popular culture that have affected the history of Latin America.
Price $145.
Andean Communication Inca Quipu
The Inca Quipu, which Andean communities used as a communication system from the 14th to the 16th centuries, holds immense historical significance. Its complexity is evident in the attention to detail given to the cords’ composition, ply, length, end treatment, and color – all of which were integral in conveying subtle meanings.
Crafted predominantly from cotton, this enigmatic artifact features a primary cord with a 32″/81.28 cm length and 65 pendant cords alternating in segmented tan and brown colors, contributing to its visual complexity. Each pendant cord, with varying sizes, serves as a canvas for strategically positioned knots that effectively encode numeric values.
Decoding this ancient system reveals that the Inca Quipu was not just a tool for communication but also a testament to the advanced organizational capabilities of the Inca Empire. Exploring the intricacies of this artifact unveils a rich tapestry of information storage and transmission, shedding light on the socio-economic dynamics of a long-gone era. Embark on a journey of discovery as we unravel the mysteries encoded within the Inca Quipu, unlocking valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual achievements of the ancient Andean civilization.
Today, museums, universities, and private collections hold approximately 600 Quipus. This private American collection, previously a part of the Alex del Canho collection in Israel, contains this particular Quipu. Later, the Howard S. Rose Gallery in NYC acquired it.
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine.
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Olmec Were-Jaguar Mask – A Masterpiece of Pre-Columbian Art
Experience the unparalleled craftsmanship of this Olmec were-jaguar transformation mask, a remarkable piece of pre-Columbian art dating back to 900-600 BCE. This extraordinary artifact from ancient Mesoamerica (present-day Mexico and Guatemala) exemplifies the Olmec civilization’s artistry and cultural significance. The mask is carved from dark green omphacite jade, one of the most precious materials in the pre-Columbian world. It captures the fierce and mystical essence of the jaguar, featuring a square jaw, almond-shaped feline eyes, and a trapezoidal mouth with a flared upper lip for a lifelike expression.
This Olmec jade mask stands out due to its dramatic portrayal, lacking the typical headband seen in other examples. The detailed carving brings the mask to life, with bean-shaped eyes, drilled pupils, and pronounced nasolabial folds that accentuate the curved fangs of the were-jaguar. The mask measures 4.1” wide by 5.3” high, with added features such as elongated ear flaps and a striation running across the top of the head, indicating the high level of craftsmanship involved.
This mask carries deep symbolism as a piece of pre-Columbian artifact. The green jade represents growth, renewal, and life cycles, while the jaguar imagery embodies power, dominance, and a connection to the spiritual world. For the Olmec, the jaguar was a revered figure, often associated with warriors, rulers, shamans, and hunters. Thus, this mask is not only a ceremonial item but also a symbol of societal status and ritual significance.
In the ancient Americas, materials like jade were valued above even gold, reflecting the cultural priorities of the Olmec, Maya, and other Mesoamerican civilizations. This exceptional mask is a testament to the skilled artisans who crafted luxurious goods for ceremonial use, reflecting pre-Columbian art’s deep cultural and spiritual values.
Mounted on a custom display stand, this Olmec were-jaguar mask reaches 7.3” (18.5 cm) in overall height, making it a striking centerpiece for any collection of ancient art.
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 found 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
Asking Price $178,000
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Stunning Mezcala M-8 Axe God
This is a stunning Mezcala anthropomorphic Axe God figure, Type M-8, carved out of gray Metadiorite stone. Its incised features and details are highlighted by grooving, making it a beautiful semi-abstract piece. The sediment deposits throughout the figure add to its charm and authenticity, as it was found as is. This piece hails from Guerrero, Mexico, and dates back to approximately 700 B.C. – 650 A.D. It measures H. 7.625”/19.37 cm and is a true testament to the ancient craftsmanship and artistic expression of the Mezcala culture.
Price $2,250
This item was featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Mochica Seated Bound Prisoner
An extraordinarily expressive wooden Moche III seated bound prisoner. He is uniquely made from a piece of the Aphandra (mastodon palm) tree into a human Calero (lime container). His facial features are exaggerated and remarkable. Almond-shaped eyes, made of shell with purple spondylus pupils. Large nose, ears, and pointed head. Curled copper-wired whiskers are also attached to his face, and nacre (mother of pearl) is applied around the neckline. Unclothed with hands bound by a rope behind his back. The head is removable, which exposes the attached copper spatula and hollowed-out lower body. The fearsome Moche captured their enemy and humiliated them by removing their clothing and parading them before sacrifice. Removal of his head could symbolize the tribute of taking a trophy head.
An outstanding piece of art history in wood is rarely seen in an exceptional state of preservation and subject matter.
Size: 4″/10.16cm Unmounted – 6.25″/15.87cm Mounted
Condition: Near Choice. Natural wood separation on the back. One pupil has been re-attached. Copper oxidation under the head where the spatula is attached.
Mochica III 200-300AD
Price $2,480
This item was featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Mummy Bundle Mask
An excellent, robust Chancay Mummy Bundle Mask. Made from the Alder tree with uniformly applied gritty red cinnabar. Red is the color of the east, the rising sun, and thus a sign of the resurrection to new life. Large, rounded-shaped head. Strong naturalistic facial features with diamond-shaped eyes. Measures 12″/30.48cm in height unmounted. Central coastal region, Peru 1200-1470 AD. Exceptional and large.
Condition: Excellent
Price $4,280
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
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Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases