Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Nicoya Region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. This piece represents the creativity of the ancient Central Americans quite well. The form is a handsome, hand built pear-shaped vessel with corseted neck and lateral perforations for suspension. A magnificent rattlesnake appliqué zigzags around the body of the vessel to enhance the design of this form. Rattlesnakes - their venom, skin, and rattles - were used by shamans of the ancient Americas in healing rituals as the rattlesnake was thought to have special qualities. This symbolism was subscribed to throughout Mesoamerica, South America, and spread to Central America. In fact, imagery of the rattlesnake appeared on facades of Central American architecture. 6-1/4"T x 7-1/2" across at widest Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970 All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Repaired from five pieces (on one side). Otherwise intact and shows form and decorative program quite nicely. Fair to good condition.

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January 24, 2014 9:00 AM MST
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