Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian/Shillacoto-Wairajirca, ca. 1800 to 1500 BCE. A t-shaped ceremonial hand axe, smoothed and polished to a dull sheen, made from a deep green stone with even darker green banded inclusions. The body of the hand axe is beautifully shaped, demonstrating the skill of the artisans who put countless hours into making it using limited technology. Hand axes of this form have been found as part of the Kotosh Religious tradition, a name that archaeologists have given to ritual buildings built between 3000 and 1500 BCE in the mountain drainages of the high Andes. Hand axes like this one, although they are shaped like a real tool, were made specifically for ritual purposes. Size: 4.55" W x 4.25" H (11.6 cm x 10.8 cm)

Provenance: private Andrade collection New York, USA, acquired 1960s; ex Knoedler & Company

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.

#131182

  • Condition: Light surface chips and nicks commensurate with age but really in excellent condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 15, 2018 8:00 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