Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Chiriqui, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A large and finely delineated 16 karat gold pendant depicting a monkey with a secure loop on the verso, making this piece quite wearable. In southern Costa Rica, certain peoples thought of monkeys as former men; the spider monkey, in particular, was revered as a warrior. Here featured in a standing position, this lively monkey, with arms outstretched, grasps his bifurcated tail as if it were a swing. Masterfully worked spiral motifs ornament his curved headdress/coiffure, perhaps representing curls. His beady round eyes, arched brows that resolve to nostrils, and wide grimace complete this golden image created by the indigenous of Costa Rica. Cast by the lost-wax or cire perdue process, the composition of the piece is elegantly balanced with myriad detail. A stupendous example demonstrating a mastery of the medium as well as an aesthetic inspired by both the natural and supernatural worlds. Weight: 46.2 grams Size: 2.125" W x 2.375" H (5.4 cm x 6 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Van Buskirk collection, Tucson, AZ, Ex Bonham's New York, African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art (15 May 2014, lot 200)

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.

#120402

  • Condition: Just a few minor casting flaws, else near choice.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 15, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000