Description:

Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Aztec culture, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. An interesting stoneware head molded into a gaunt, skeletal form with bulging eyes, prominent cheek bones, and triangular nose. The disembodied head might symbolize a defleshed face, a macabre practice in honor of Xipe Totec, the Aztec god of flaying. The verso suggests this head was once attached to a larger element, but also contains a perforation laterally where the ears would have been, perhaps for suspension or additional ornamentation. Size: 2.75" L x 2" W x 3" H (7 cm x 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173629

  • Condition: Fragment or applique from a larger piece, with losses to verso as shown Minor surface wear and abrasions, otherwise excellent condition. Light mineral deposits in recessed areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 18, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000