A fine set of large Moche Bronze Tumi. Each ceremonial knife is crowned with a figurine of a warrior wearing a combination of different battle-ready garments with weapons in hand. The detailing of these finials is impeccable. Faces are expressive, garments and arms are well executed. Produced using the lost-wax technique with the lower blade of the knife smelted. Heavy overall patina. Moche, Northwest Peru. Ca 100 – 800 AD. Each knife measures approximately 8″ in length. It is scarce to find a set of three come together intact in this high caliber.
Mounted together on a wood and metal platform stand.
Condition: Choice
Provenance: Ex Private Florida Collection; Ex Bongard Collection
Price – $6,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Olmec Weathered Jade Mask
This exquisite weathered were-jaguar Olmec mask, carved from a stunning oatmeal green, white jadeite stone, is a masterpiece of ancient artistry. This Olmec stone mask is expertly worked with graceful, subtle contours and displays signature Olmec ruler traits that mimic the colossal stone heads of San Lorenzo. The prominent facial features of this mask include a flat nose and fleshy cheeks. With a downturned jaguar mouth, it has parted lips that reveal teeth, a large glabella, and slanted eyes with drilled holes at the corner peripherals. It also displays lengthy straight ear flaps with unfinished holes at the top, made using reeds and wet sand. This piece’s blending of lifelike, relatively naturalistic, and contrasting abstract interpretations is captivating. The weathered surface, from front to back, with some edge chipping, adds to the character and historical depth of the mask.
This mask is a significant representation of Olmec culture and a superb example of the skilled craftsmanship of the period. The careful attention to detail in the carving process reflects the high artistic achievement during the Olmec era, which spanned from approximately 1500 to 400 BCE. Jadeite, a highly prized material among Mesoamerican cultures, underscores the mask’s importance, likely serving as a symbol of power or status for its original owner.
The mask’s design symbolizes the were-jaguar motif, a central theme in Olmec art, representing a mythical creature that combines human and jaguar features. This motif is often associated with shamanic transformation, linking the wearer to earthly and supernatural realms. The mask’s weathering and the slight imperfections, such as the edge chipping, provide a tangible connection to the ancient world, offering insight into the age and authenticity of this remarkable artifact. This piece is not just a work of art; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Olmec civilization.
Mexico to Guatemala c. 900 – 600 BC.
Measures: 5” in Height; 6″ on a custom metal stand.
Provenance: Private Fl collection; S. Gomm collection, Portland, OR. Acquired 1980’s
This artifact would make a significant addition to any collection. It offers a glimpse into ancient Olmec society and serves as a powerful symbol of cultural and spiritual beliefs. Its size, condition, and historical importance make it a valuable and visually striking piece of pre-Columbian art.
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Moche Druzy Crystal Tumi
This is an excellent Moche lord stone tumi with a suspension hole. Made from druzy quartz crystal, it has a deeply incised carving and a nice patina. It might have been used as a talisman pendant. It is in fine condition. Loma Negra region, Peru. c. 100 and 300 AD. It measures 5″. Scarce.
Per request, a stand can be ordered without charge. Allow 5-10 production time.
Provenance: Ex Goodman, TX; Private Florida collection.
Price – $675
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Large Chancay Wooden Scepter
A hansom and large Chancay wooden scepter/staff. Made from light wood (Alder tree) that measures 21″ in length. Iconic homogeneous face finial. Strong brow, nose, and sculpted chin. Eyes are carved diamond-shaped with black coloring surrounding the outer portion. There is more trace color on the lower face. Alternating light yellow and black striping throughout the bottom portion of the shaft with some red spotting. Mounted on a wood and metal base. Lima region, Peru, 800-1400AD. Choice Condition.
Provenance: Ex Danish collection; Private Florida collection.
Price – $875
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Chancay Small False Mask
Uniquely sized Chancay false mummy mask. Carved from a solid piece of wood. The face is painted overall in red cinnabar or iron oxide. The facial features are excellent in high relief. Eyes are incised and filled with crushed white shell paste. Pupils are painted with black resin. The linear headband is also painted with the same black resin and white crushed shell, with the upper portion of the head left unpainted. These bands served to distinguish it from other member tribes. West Coast, Peru. ca. 1000 – 1400 AD.
Condition: Choice. Completely intact and all original – No restoration.
Measures 6.5″/16.51 cm in height, 3.25″/8.25 cm. in width.
Approx. 8.25″/20.95 cm overall height on stand. – Rare
Custom wood and metal base included.
Provenance: Ex Raul Moreno, Cayuco Gallery WA; Private Florida collection.
Price – $1,295
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Quimbaya Champlevé Bowl
Superb example of meticulous Quimbaya workmanship in red ware pottery. Deep cut away in champlevé (chip-carving) technique on the outer surface. Ample mineral deposits throughout. No repairs. Choice condition. Cauca River region, Colombia. 300-600 AD. It measures approximately 3″ tall by 5″ in diameter.
Provenance: Ex Murray Korda collection (1928-1998), Orwell, VT; Arte Xibalba Gallery 2005; Private Florida collection 2006
Price – $1,280
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Moche Wood Scepter c. 400-800 AD.
This intricately carved Moche wood scepter, representing a high-ranking warrior, is a remarkable artifact of Mochica artistry, dating back to 400-800 AD in Northern Peru. The warrior depicted is important, signifying his elite status through the detailed embellishments and symbolic elements adorning the scepter. He is poised, gripping a mace club close to his chest, symbolizing power and authority in Moche culture.
The scepter is richly adorned with inlaid Red Spondylus, meticulously shaped to form bracelets, belts, and eyes, adding a vibrant contrast to the dark wood. The necklace, crafted from Nacre (mother-of-pearl) and green stones, symbolizes the warrior’s connection to the spiritual world, with the green stones representing pupils, a significant element in Moche iconography. These adornments enhance the visual appeal and serve as indicators of the warrior’s high status and role in Moche society’s ceremonial or possibly military aspects.
A crouched jaguar, an influential and revered animal in Moche culture, is perched atop the warrior’s head. The jaguar, with its ears alert, eyes squinting, and canines bared, embodies intimidation and strength, projecting the warrior’s fearsome nature. The presence of two long-fanged serpents extending down his back and shoulders further emphasizes the connection to powerful, supernatural forces, as serpents were often associated with fertility, water, and the underworld in ancient Andean cultures.
The lower handle of the scepter tapers elegantly, maintaining the overall balance of the piece while ensuring it is practical for use. The beautiful patina that has developed over centuries adds to the scepter’s aesthetic and historical value. Trace roots and microscopic textile fibers are still embedded in the resin, offering a glimpse into its ancient origins.
This piece measures over 12 inches (30.48 cm) in length and extends to 15 inches (38.1 cm) when mounted on its custom metal stand. As a well-preserved and finely crafted example of Moche woodwork, it serves as both a work of art and a cultural relic, offering insights into the Moche civilization’s beliefs, rituals, and social structures.
Condition: Choice
Provenance: Ex Sam Johnson, Caddo Museum A-165 Card, Murfreesboro, AR; Ex Kevin Pipes Collection, Dandridge, TN
Price – $12,800
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Ecuadorian Standing Incensario
An Ecuadorian Standing Incensario is a ceremonial artifact that depicts a nude male figure perched on a stepped base. The figure is wearing a large brim headdress and large earplugs and has remarkable facial features. This piece is brown in color, indicating that it was subjected to a more controlled firing process. Unlike most Manteño artifacts, which are black due to lack of oxygen, this incensario was intentionally broken during rituals, re-assembled, and painted over break lines. It measures 15.5″ and is from Manta, Manabi, Manteño – Ecuador, dating back to 700 – 1500 AD. This is an impressive piece!
Provenance: Alex Acevedo Art Gallery NYC 1980’s.
Ref. Pre-Columbian Art of South America, Alan Lapiner., Pg. 363 Plates 785, 757
Digging up prehistory “The Archaeology of Ecuador” Pg. 359
Price $2,480
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Valdivian Ceremonial Stone Axe
A wonderfully sized ceremonial stone axe from the Valdivian culture, Ecuador. Green diorite stone with excellent delineation between colors. Highly polished. These objects are only known through archeological studies in northwest South America and are usually described as ”ceremonial axes.” They are substantial stone axes that were symbolic and interred as payment to Mother Earth. The Museo Chileno of Precolumbian Art describes these as “Lithophones.”
Measures 14.5″/36.83cm in height by 9″/22.86cm wide, 16.5″/41.91cm mounted—weight: 11.5 lbs.
Santa Elena, Ecuador. 4400 – 1450 BC. Choice condition.
Provenance: Collection of the Landazuri Family Estate, New York, NY
Price – $6,850
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases
Guangala Bone Boundary Markers
An extraordinary pair of carved Guangala bone boundary markers, This high elite is heavily embellished throughout his body in prototypical geometric Guangala fashion. He stands with arms across the chest, wearing a royal headdress. The Jaguar is poised atop a column of composed registers to exemplify power. Two separate Zig-zag elements between double horizontal thick bans. Both are superb, with excellent patina. Each measures 7.25”/ 18.41 cm. respectively. Mounted on a custom metal display stand.
Ecuador Ca. 500 BC – 500 AD.
Condition: Choice
Provenance: Ex Alexander Acevedo Gallery, NYC
Price – $12,500
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases