Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manabí Province, Jama Coaque, 300 BCE to 600 CE. The Jama Coaque culture of the Pacific coast of Ecuador is known for its pottery, especially highly adorned, human figures of elite status such as the figure sitting with hands to his knees who is likely engaged in a ceremonial ritual. Perhaps a shaman or priest, he is ornamented with facial scarification, large ear ornaments, a necklace incised with markings to indicate beads, and brilliant red cinnabar. The female figure in contrast is carrying a pack on her back indicative of lower status. Dress and ornament were identifiers of clans and ethnic groups as well as markers of rank. The information encoded in these figures' clothing and jewelry would have been understood by members of those groups. The final figure which also functions as a whistle wears a large headdress, ornately designed necklace, and large ear ornaments. Clearly this piece depicted a highly revered individual. The lack of facial features may be due to the fact that the sculptor created a flat plane to indicate a veil signifying a state of mourning. 4"T x 2 1/4"W x 3"D (whistle), 4 1/8"T x 3"W x 2"D (female), and 3 3/4"T x 2 1/2"W x 3"D (seated figure). Provenance: Ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell

  • Condition: Seated figure and female carrier show minor surface wear and are in excellent condition. Female also shows generous cinnabar deposits. The whistle figure shows loss to left arm, feet and edges. Otherwise it is intact and functions as a whistle. Fair to good condition.

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January 24, 2014 9:00 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000