Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Mayan Territories, Late Classic period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A large, pale, creamy blue-green jadeite amulet, depicting a human figure in profile who is either pregnant or corpulent. The figure appears to be kneeling, with his or her hands held above his or her head; he or she wears only a belt and has been carved with either a headdress with hanging feathers or has a coiffure that hangs down the sides of the face. His or her mouth is open, the lips pressed outward, as if blowing into something or making a whistling noise. A hole for suspension has been drilled through the back of the head. Size: 1.75" W x 4.625" H (4.4 cm x 11.7 cm)

The value of jade for people in ancient Central America lay in its symbolic power: perhaps its color was associated with water and vegetation. The Maya would place jade beads in the mouths of the dead. Many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks and to the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

Provenance: private Illinois, USA collection assembled pre-1970

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.

#128365

  • Condition: Potential small loss from the top of the figure (it may just be an unpolished part of the amulet). Nice clear form with very light encrustation in the lower profile areas and signs of wear around the drilled hole.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
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