Precolumbian Art - Mesoamerica
Mesoamerica includes Mexico and the Mayan Territories
The major archaeological cultural phases in Pre-Columbian Mexico include Olmec, Monte Alto, Monte Albán, Maya, Teotihuacan, Michoacan, Zapotec, Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, Mezcala, Chupicuaro, Veracruz, Tarascan, Mixtec, Tula, Toltec, Casas Grande, and Aztec.
The Maya civilization area is divided into three zones: northern lowlands, southern lowlands, and highlands, encompassing present-day countries such as southern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, western Honduras, and northern El Salvador.
Within this cultural landscape, an exquisite array of Pre-Columbian artistry awaits. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and appreciate a distinguished collection that includes pottery imbued with centuries-old craftsmanship and intricately carved stone artifacts that evoke the region’s profound spiritual and ceremonial practices. This curated selection aims to connect viewers with the depth and diversity of Mesoamerican heritage, celebrating the enduring legacy of its people and their unparalleled artistic achievements.
Maya Serpentine Earflare Assemblages
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of these Maya Earflare Assemblages A rare and exceptional pair of Late Classic Maya earflare assemblages, dated to circa 600–900 AD, carved from marbleized green serpentine with pale green, grey, and white veining. Measuring just over 2 inches in diameter, each assemblage is composed of multiple finely carved elements: a flanged, openwork disc with twin lateral perforations for suspended attachments, and a central drilled aperture housing a cylindrical earflare insert. These multipart forms exemplify the technical sophistication of Maya lapidary tradition and are closely associated with elite ceremonial regalia worn in public display, ritual performance, or courtly life. The radial composition of the openwork discs reflects Classic Maya ideals of visual order and cosmic symmetry. The petal-like form suggests an abstracted floral motif, a design language often tied to fertility, dynastic legitimacy, and celestial renewal. Serpentine, a symbolically potent material in Mesoamerican cosmology, evoked life force, vegetation, and the sacred vitality of maize. The deliberate use of such material affirms the status of these earflare assemblages as high-status insignia. Despite the addition of modern stabilizing pins for secure display, the assemblages remain intact in their original ancient configuration. Comparable examples appear only rarely in […]
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Large Colima Gadrooned Tripod Vessel with Parrot Form Legs
Large Colima gadrooned tripod vessel with parrot form legs, 200 BCE–300 CE. Fine redware, from West Mexico shaft tomb tradition. Rare Pre-Columbian art.
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Rare Maya Olive Shell Skull Face Pendant
Pre-Columbian Maya pendant carved from olive shell with a skull motif, symbolic of death and the sea. Xibalba, Maya underworld. Late Classic, ca. 550–900 CE.
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Aztec Carved Shell Ornament of Ehecatl
Striking carved shell ornament symbolizing Ehecatl Quetzalcoatl, Aztec wind deity. Powerful spiral form, ritual use. Ex. Dr. Heflin Collection.
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Veracruz Avian Stone Hacha – Volcanic Ritual Sculpture
Carved volcanic stone hacha from Veracruz with avian visage and crest. Classic form linked to Mesoamerican ritual performance and elite ceremonial display.
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Rare Maya Jadeite Face Pendant with Red Pigment Traces
Authentic Maya jadeite face pendant with low-relief carving, youthful features, traces of red hematite and cinnabar, and intricate ceremonial designs.
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Ancient Sultepec Diorite Maskette
Discover this Sultepec stone maskette, an exceptional example of ancient Mesoamerican artistry. Carved from dark green diorite, features finely incised facial
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Mezcala Stone Carved Face Mask or Ornament
Mezcala M-15 stone carved face mask with angular brows, a wide nose, a subtle mouth, and a rare “V” cut on top, showcasing minimalist ancient design.
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Maya Stone Mask of Young Pakal the Great
This Maya stone mask presents an intriguing portrayal of a male figure, likely depicting Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal, the renowned Mayan ruler. The finely sculpted...
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Amazing Olmec Jade Were-Jaguar Pendant
A remarkable were-jaguar artifact from the Olmec civilization is a Nephrite dark green jade pendant from the Middle Pre-classic Period, dating between 900-600
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Aztec Stone Toci Figure
Explore this exquisite Aztec stone figure of Toci. This finely sculpted votive piece captures Toci in an unusual standing position. The details of her intricate
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Olmec Weathered Jade Mask
This exquisite weathered were-jaguar Olmec mask, carved from a stunning oatmeal green, white jadeite stone, is a masterpiece of artistry. This Olmec stone mask
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