Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Hand-carved from clam shell, a male figure - perhaps intended as a purging stick - delineated with circular abalone shell eyes, incised arched brows, a stylized nose, a slit mouth, and an elongated chin - with large ears, and a side-parted coiffure. He stands upon delineated feet with hands meeting across his abdominal area above his belt. Given the overall shape, it may have been used by shamans as a purging stick, prompting a literal physical purging as well as a symbolic spiritual purging during certain ceremonies. Size: 4.25" H (10.8 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#141694

  • Condition: Repaired from two large pieces at the waistline - just above the belt. Otherwise excellent with nice abalone shell inlays for the eyes.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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