Description:

Spanish Colonial period but most likely made by an indigenous artisan, Mexico, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. Fabulous for anyone intrigued by the macabre, a carved wood staff or mace with a 'head' comprised of burled wood and delineated in the form of a skull. Note the meticulous attention to details: those deep orbits/eye sockets, that triangular nasal bone cavity, and those incised teeth revealed by the open mouth. The wood itself boasts incredible lustrous patina commensurate with age and use. Custom stand. Size: 3.5" in diameter (the skull) x 14.625" H (8.9 cm x 37.1 cm); 14.875" H (37.8 cm) on stand

Provenance: ex-Heritage Auctions - November 6, 2015 American Indian Art, Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art Signature Auction - Dallas, Texas (#5222, Lot #72775)

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#121742

  • Condition: Skull reattached to shaft. Old losses to skull with nice lustrous age patina as shown. Shaft shows nice patina from age and use as well.

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April 27, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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