Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Nicoya Region, ca. 500BCE-500 CE. This rare bat form is finely carved from a rich, deep green jadeite stone. Nocturnal bats - the only winged mammals that fly - were believed to be as ominous as owls among Pre-Columbian cultures. Swooping and darting in the night sky, the ancients of the Americas linked these creatures to both the underworld and sexual potency, the sexual connotations in turn associated with rain and fertility. This example features an intricately carved face with great detail and symmetrically balanced open wings. Perforations for suspension if desired. Custom, museum-quality stand. 2-1/2"H x 1-1/2"W

Provenance: Ex- Peter Wray Collection, ex- J. Leff Collection, ex-Sothebys

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.

  • Condition: Repair to right wing. Else intact and excellent

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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