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: Ex-NY collection
Price $10,800
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases