Lot 107
Pre-Columbian, Northwest Coast of Costa Rica / Nicaragua, Greater Nicoya, ca. 1000-1350 CE. The indigenous artists of the northwest coast of Costa Rica had an uncanny penchant for bringing magical creatures to life - particularly the jaguar king of the tropics. Note how the fierce attitude of the jaguar is communicated by this vessel through the animal's bloody fangs, powerful legs, and lunging head. What's more the creator of this piece was an artist who moved beyond realism. First off, the figure is standing upright in a vertical pose not possible for an animal, but more akin to a human pose. Most fascinating, note how the front paws rest on the back legs. This is intended to represent the shaman's meditative pose. Furthermore, the artisan reveled in abstraction, covering the piece with intricately designed patterns. Note the curvilinear rosettes comprised of hidden jaguar heads complemented with striped motifs on the haunches and the jaguar spots framed by a zigzag border in the neck area. Even more fascinating, there are more jaguars hidden in the band of decoration circumambulating the upper portion of the vessel. Quite remarkable is how the vessel actually captures the sound of the jaguar. Clay balls in the mouth and at one time the legs rattle when the piece is carried or moved in any way - metaphorically replicating the roar of the beast or possibly meant to enhance the musical performances of Pre-Columbian rituals. This vessel was intended to capture the transformative state of a shaman assuming his/her animal form. 13-1/4"T x 10-1/2"D x 9-1/2"W Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelly Collection. Mr. Kelly is a prolific, prominent artist of Denver, CO. All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
- Condition: Slight loss at the rim and edge of one paw. Expected surface wear. Stunning patina. Excellent condition.
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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 | $2,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |