Description:

Pre-Columbian, Argentina or Chile, Mapuche culture, ca. 1200 to 1800 CE. A hand-carved stone finial depicting a grooved staircase design below the head of an abstract anthropomorphic being. The stylized figure has a minimalist visage composed of a square nose, petite mouth, and angular eyes, all beneath a narrow-brimmed hat. The staircase design of this finial is suggestive of the "staircase to the supernatural world." According to Mapuche mythology the supernatural world, known as "Wenapu," is an organized and balanced region located between the clouds and the cosmos where gods and ancestors reside. Here, the artist created a stairway to that magical, spiritual world in the sky where the deity or ancestor perched atop lives. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 0.875" W x 5" H (2.2 cm x 12.7 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Arundel collection, California, USA; ex-Butterfields (Bonhams)

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#131933

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions, some fading to carved details, and some wear to hat and base, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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May 24, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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