Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Olmec (Tlatilco), Middle Preclassic, ca. 900 BCE. This seal has swirling and diamond designs which probably represent some form of glyphs or possibly a stylized animal. It was found in Tlatilco, and comes from the Middle Preclassic period of the Valley of Mexico, which is part of the Olmec cultural period. Tlatiloc, which means "Place of Mounds" in Nahuatl, was during this time one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities in the Valley. The Olmec culture was the precursor to the Maya and Aztec, with their complex urban centers, huge pyramids, and focus on royal rituals. In the early 2000s, many researchers began to argue that the Olmec were also responsible for another first in Mexico (and the New World): writing. In the first published work on the subject, researchers rolled out an Olmec seal like this one and argued that it displayed glyphs they have interpreted to be a ruler's name. Although the glyph on this particular seal here is probably not writing, it should be understood as a precursor. Similar pieces are found in museum collections. Size: 3" in diameter x 2-1/12"H. Provenance: Ex-private Poolos collection, ex-Adeon Gallery, acquired before the 1970's. 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. #102407

  • Condition: The seal has been broken along its vertical axis in several major places and has been repaired. It is missing some components from the top and bottom but in general is intact. There is some wear, particularly on the inside of the seal.

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September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000