Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Tarascan culture, ca. 1100-1530 CE. These figurines were created by the Purepecha people, called Tarascans by the Spanish. This culture was the sole unconquered enemy of the mighty Aztecs. Why is the Tarascan culture not as well known as the Aztec culture? Unlike the Aztecs, the Tarascan empire left no documentary histories for us. If it weren't for Spanish missionaries who recorded their stories, much of their history would be lost to us forever; however, archaeological excavations and surviving ceramics like these examples have provided us with a glimpse into the lives of this resilient and highly developed civilization. 5 3/4"T, 4 1/2"T, 3 3/4"T, and 3 1/2"T

Provenance: Ex-Gilbert Martin Collection, Georgia, USA

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Surface wear and small losses to limbs and appliqués. Repair to head of largest example. Else intact and good to excellent.

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Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 16, 2014 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