Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 200 BCE to 300 CE. A stunning and still playable pottery trumpet in the shape of a quite sizable conch shell! Shell trumpets like this example were blown to announce significant events, such as the arrival of dignitaries at state functions, as a signal to engage the enemy or direct regiments on the battlefield, and to accentuate the peak spiritual moments during religious rites. The conch shell also had long-standing symbolic associations with the aquatic underworld and was connected to certain deities. In West Mexico, these ceramic shell horns are often found in shaft tombs as they were intimately connected with elite status and special spiritual power. These instruments were created with similar specifications as their organic counterparts, including the mouthpiece, so that the dead could bring their music with them to the afterlife. Size: 13.5" L x 8.1" W x 7.8" H (34.3 cm x 20.6 cm x 19.8 cm)

Cf. Bowers Museum, 86.55.34.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#175050

  • Condition: Still functions as a trumpet! Professionally repaired with restoration in areas and chip to outer lip. Light surface wear as shown with some areas of fire darkening. Otherwise, excellent with nice mineral deposits to surface.

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October 27, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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