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 with purple spondylus shell 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.
Provenance: Alex Acevedo Art Gallery NYC 1980’s.
Price $2,480 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item was featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
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
Provenance: Ex Raul Moreno, Cayuco Gallery WA; Private Florida collection.
Price $4,280 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Guanacaste Costa Rican Incensario
A wonderful Potosi Applique with crocodilian effigy. This ritual incense burner has a top cover finalized with a portrayal of an aggressive, spiny Caiman. Three rows of exaggerated pointed scutes crown his elongated head. Two double-ring banning appliqué surround the upper and matching lower section. White and red colors faintly appear near the eyes and legs. The lower bowl has vertical stripes in light yellow. Overall, the body is heavily textured. The figure to the bowl, back leg, and tail have been reattached. The restoration was applied over the brakes. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition. Measures 13.5″/34.3 cm in height.
Greater Nicoya region, Costa Rica, 500 – 1350 AD (Period V-VI)
Ex. Private Washington D.C. Estate, acquired before the 1980’s.
Price $3,480 – Domestic Delivery Included
Manteño Seated Figure Incensario
An attractive and sizeable ceramic incensario. A broad-shouldered naked male seated in a frontal pose on a stool with a stepped base. Facial features are incredibly bold and realistic. Wears traditional large disc earplugs. The shallow platter-type headdress is very large, measuring over 10”/25.4 cm in Diameter. Excellent motifs on the upper chest and back indicate the high rank of this individual. Highly burnished marbleized brown-black ceramic contributes to its beauty. Outstanding example.
Overall height is 16.5”/41.9 cm. Reassembled from four parts, with restoration over breaks. Manabi, Ecuador 700/1500 AD.
Ref. Pre-Columbian Art of South America, Alan Lapiner., Pg. 363 Plates 785, 757
Digging up prehistory “The Archaeology of Ecuador” Pg. 359
Provenance: Morales collection, Florida – acquired by way of inheritance
Price $5,850 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Published Manteño Parakeet Shell Mortar
An excellent Manteño shell mortar in the shape of a parakeet. This adorable miniature mortar was de-accessioned from the collection of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC (inventory 67.12.12). Published in the book “The Pre-Columbian Collection: Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, North Carolina” by M. Keating Griffiss, 1970 (object no. 94). The ancient artisan produced this from a thick shell core to resemble one of their more sacred animals – The Parrot. The head is detailed, and the main body (the receptor) is a deep well between the wings, finalizing with a short tail and legs. Smaller prongs were used to stabilize the mortar. The author states, “A carved shell vessel of an animal with four legs carrying a load, the top of which is concave.” A copy of the book will be enclosed.
Minor surface wear and erosion with minor chipping and abrasions; otherwise, in excellent condition.
Measures 3.5″/8.89 cm in length by 2.25″/5.71 cm in height respectively.
Manta, Ecuador 700-1500 AD. – Ultra rare as mortars in shell rarely survive.
Provenance: Former Atlanta, GA private collection. Deaccessioned from the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, cited as a gift to the museum from Mr. & Mrs. Edwin L. Jones, 1967.
Price: $1,250 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Inca Bronze Axe Blades with Owl Insignia
A set of two large and heavy Inca Bronze Axes with the sacred Owl “Tuco” insignia – Rare
Casted bronze with a half-moon-shaped blade. Center hole in the thick haft base. Sacred Andean owl decorated on a single side. Eyes wide with long ear tufts. A suitable symbol on a weapon blade reflects wisdom and protection to the holder while announcing death to its opponent. Sierra, Ecuador. Ca. 1400 -1550 A.D. Vintage Riker display case.
Measures: 6”- 6.5” W, 5.75” H. 15.24-16.51 cm. W, 14.60 cm H. Each weighs approximately 3 lbs. each. Combined weight 90 oz—2.5 kg.
Private FL collection; Ex Holmes, GA.
Price 1,095 – Domestic Delivery Included
Ref: Cobre Del Antiguo Peru, plate 161 and p. 531
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Valdivian – Chorrera Stone Mortar
This feline is an exceptional and sturdy serpentine stone mortar made in the Transition Style. The tail of the mortar has a beautiful spiral perforation. Wonderful green coloring. It was found in the Valdivia region of Ecuador and dates back to around 2000 B.C. – 300 B.C. It measures 9.25 inches in length, 5.5 inches in height, and 3 inches in width and is in near-choice condition.
During the Late Formative period, there was a growing interest and desire for green stones. They were considered exotic in most areas and were often exchanged over long distances since they were widely used in domestic and mortuary contexts. The popularity of green stones also grew significantly around the same time in Mesoamerica.
Provenance: Collection of the Landazuri Family Estate, New York, NY., acquired in the 1980s.
Price $10,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Machalilla Effigy Vessel
The Machalilla culture was an ancient civilization that thrived on the Ecuadorian coast from around 2000 BCE to 800 CE. They are known for their advanced pottery, distinctive ceramic styles, and maritime lifestyle. The Machalilla people engaged in fishing, shellfish gathering, and trade. Their settlements featured complex architecture, including ceremonial structures and residential buildings. Archaeological findings suggest social stratification within the society. The Machalilla culture significantly contributed to the pre-Columbian history of the Andean region, leaving behind valuable artifacts and insights into their way of life.
Betty Meggers, an influential American archaeologist, researched pre-Columbian cultures in South America, including the Machalilla culture in Ecuador. In her work, she highlighted the maritime aspects of the Machalilla, emphasizing their reliance on ocean resources. Meggers proposed that the Machalilla culture was part of a broader cultural complex known as the “Valdivia–Machalilla,” characterized by distinct pottery styles and coastal adaptations. Her contributions have shaped the understanding of ancient societies in the region, although perspectives on her theories have been subject to scholarly discussion and debate over time.
The pottery figures of the Machalilla culture were quite distinctive. They were known for their elaborate and intricate designs, often depicting human and animal forms. These figures displayed high craftsmanship, with attention to details such as facial features, clothing, and symbolic elements. The hollowed body figures were notable mainly for their three-dimensional forms.
The Machalilla pottery often featured fine incisions, painted decorations, and stylized representations, showcasing the artistic skills of the culture. These distinctive pottery pieces served practical purposes and had significant cultural and symbolic meanings, providing insights into the beliefs and practices of the Machalilla people.
The Machalilla culture likely played a role in influencing proceeding cultures in the region. Their pottery’s artistic techniques, styles, and symbolic elements formed a cultural transmission. Neighboring societies may have adopted, adapted, or incorporated aspects of Machalilla pottery into their artistic traditions as they interacted through trade, migration, or cultural exchange.
Additionally, the sophisticated craftsmanship and unique designs of Machalilla pottery could have set a standard or inspired later artisans, contributing to the development of regional artistic styles. The exchange of ideas through cultural interaction is a common phenomenon in the evolution of prehistoric societies, and the influence of Machalilla pottery likely had a lasting impact on the artistic expressions of subsequent cultures in the Andean region.
This magnificent rare specimen is one of the first hollow molded human forms made in the Americas. Rich tan burnished ceramic vessel effigy with corporal decoration. Machalilla region, Ecuador. 2000-1000 BC. Stands at 7 1/2″ tall. Restored from several pieces. – Ultra Rare.
Provenance: Ex – Lands Beyond Gallery NYC.
A similar example is shown on pg.52 “Ecuador” The Secret Art of Pre-columbian Ecuador
Price $6,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Inca Hunchback Miniature Figurine
Highly deformed nude hunchback figurine in Bronze. His facial features are remarkable—expressive and detailed Capacocha offering. Hunchbacks were seen as an emissary between the Inca people and divinity and deposited as an offering.
The Inca civilization had an intriguing outlook on physical deformities, including hunchbacks, which were sometimes regarded as having spiritual significance. Despite valuing physical perfection, Inca society associated individuals with deformities with supernatural qualities or spiritual gifts. As a result, these individuals often held unique roles in religious ceremonies or rituals, with their participation varying depending on the circumstances—a scarce piece.
The Inca civilization utilized the lost wax casting method for crafting miniature figurines. They would create a wax model, encase it in clay, and then heat it to melt it, leaving a mold. Molten metal was poured into the mold to create the figurine. This intricate technique allowed for detailed and unique designs in their craftsmanship.
Ca. 1400 AD. Height is over 2″/5.08 cm. 5”/12.7 cm on a wood stand. The condition is excellent.
Provenance: Private Florida Collection
Price $1,495 – Domestic Delivery Included
This item may become featured here in the Native American Art Magazine
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Incredible Wari False Head Mask
The Wari False Head is a fascinating artifact that offers a glimpse into the past. It is believed to have been created between 1000 and 1470 A.D. and is a testament to the advanced craftsmanship of the Wari people. The use of wood planks, incised bone teeth, and Purple Spondylus shells for the pupils make it a unique and rare piece that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The avian motifs on the headband add a touch of elegance and beauty to the artifact. The intricate carvings showcase the Wari people’s expertise in art and design and reflect their reverence for nature. The fact that the Wari False Head is in its original form and excellent condition makes it a prized possession for any collector.
In conclusion, the Wari False Head is an exceptional art piece with great historical and cultural significance. With a height of 8 inches, its intricate design, rare materials, and excellent condition make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Provenance: Ex Raul Moreno, Cayuco Gallery WA; Private Florida collection.
Price – $8,800 – Domestic Delivery Included
Click here to see our next item.
Are you seeking a particular piece? Please feel free to let us know.
Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases