Description:

Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Mexico City region, Aztec Empire, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. An intriguing statue of a dwarf, hand-carved from porous brown-black volcanic stone. The figure is shown in a kneeling position with arms crossed over its distended abdomen, its head gazing slightly towards the left with a morose expression. Almond-shaped eyes, a wide triangular nose with flared nostrils, full, downturned lips, and large ears comprise the figure's visage, and a closely-shorn coiffure rests above a wide brow. Dwarves were thought not to be individuals with physical abnormalities but rather as seers of the divine with supernatural abilities. Their stunted size indicated that their powers were more highly-concentrated than in those of normal stature, and were regularly consulted as shamans in their community. Concurrently, dwarves were regularly sacrificed to the gods as special, spiritually-potent offerings. Size: 4.25" W x 9.375" H (10.8 cm x 23.8 cm).

Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-private California, USA collection

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.

#138200

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to ears, head, body, and arms, with fading to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 24, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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