Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Aztec, ca. 1350 to 1520 CE. Very rare carving of volcanic basalt in the form of an owl, standing slightly askew, with tail feathers off to one side at the rear. Head cocked to the right, small ear-tufts raised, large round eyes and distinctive facial disc. He wears a small collar with glyphoid hanging beneath its chin. AT the rear are three abstract tail feathers each in an almost human toe form and each with swirled design. On each side is a glyph, the one on the proper right distinctly in avian and serpentine form with square eye and curved bill. A fascinating piece. Size: 10" W x 12" H (25.4 cm x 30.5 cm)

In Aztec mythology, Chalchiuhtecolotl was the night owl god - his name translating as such. The Aztec reportedly feared owls because they were silent hunters who hunted at night and were a dweller in the underworld.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection acquired before 2004.

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.

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#190095

    Condition:
  • Portion of bill with old restoration, chips in several areas, including minor chipping to right proper cheek, both ears, talons and tail feathers. Deep surface deposits and signs of root marks evident under UV lighting. Strong earthy scent present upon wetting.

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American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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January 17, 2025 8:00 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000