Lot 391A
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Jaina Island, ca. 500 CE - 700 CE. Mesoamerica's Jaina Island practiced one of the most renowned ancient figurine traditions. Jaina Island was a residential and funerary settlement adjacent to the coast of west-central Campeche. During the nineteenth century, its extensive burial grounds were discovered; however, archaeologists first excavated the region in the 1940s. They revealed figurines like this example in the arms of the deceased elite members of society who had been dressed in their finest clothes and wrapped in cotton burial shrouds and palm-fiber mats. According to Mexico archaeologist Roman Piña Chan, the director of excavations at Jaina, the ballgame had religious connotations, as it was associated with the Sun and/or Venus. The movement of the ball was thought to represent the movement of the Sun through the sky; while play in the four corners of the court symbolized an imitation of the star Venus. In general, the association with the cult of the sun evolved in the Classic period, whereas the connection with Venus was a Post-Classic development. Players who were specially trained for inter-city games wore protective stomach wrappings, and one arm was also wrapped. Players wore wide wrist and knee guards which we also see some evidence of here. All this protection was very important, since players were not allowed to use their hands to hit the large, solid-rubber ball. Perhaps the most impressive element of this ballplayer's regalia is the magnificent helmet/headdress elaborately decorated with an intimidating skull that peers out from above his finely delineated face also adorned with large earspools with additional ear ornaments. Impressive technique as well as highly symbolic iconography! A fabulous example! Custom stand. Figure itself 7-1/8"T.
Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, acquired prior to 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.
- Condition: Limbs reattached and some losses as shown. Else intact and excellent.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |