Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala culture (Balsas culture), ca. 700 to 200 BCE. A charming carved model of a "temple" with what appears to be steps leading up to its openwork body and a tiered, pyramidal roof. Carvings of this style have been found throughout ancient Mexico, as they seem to have been considered heirlooms by cultures later than those who made them - for example, the Aztec Templo Mayor contained ritual caches of them, some of which would have been over 2000 years old when the Aztecs buried them! However, no buildings of this style have been excavated from Mezcala, so it is a mystery as to whether these represented idealized forms or actual important places. Size: 1" W x 1.75" H (2.5 cm x 4.4 cm); 2.15" H (5.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private collection of Dr. Evan Maurer, former Curator of the Minneapolis Art Institute (USA)

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#132091

  • Condition: Patina on surface from age and handling, with light surface wear and scratching commensurate with age.

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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