Description:

** This is an oversized piece that requires 3rd party shipping. Please ask for a quote prior to bidding.**

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Classic to Postclassic period, 500 to 1300 CE. A monumental volcanic stone carving of a prisoner crouching upon a column, that perhaps would have guarded the entrances to villages or agricultural field. The Maya and Aztecs erected monumental stelae as symbols of their control to warn intruders they were entering an area where they too might become a prisoner or sacrificial victim like the carving here. The tongue hanging out also a foreboding symbol of death! An exquisite example of this figure immortalized in stone! Size: 9" L x 9" W x 47" H (22.9 cm x 22.9 cm x 119.4 cm)

Prisoners and captives were a popular theme, "human trophy taking" was practiced in many Mesoamerican cultures - a well documented fact from their art and sculpture, exemplified by this piece. Capturing prisoners during raids and warfare was important they were considered the most valuable booty taken - men could be enslaved and women as concubines - or they could be used for sacrifice. In fact, some researchers have suggested that besides fighting for land and resources, capturing people for sacrifice was one of the main objectives of Maya warfare.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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.

#175121

  • Condition: Repaired, head reattached and tip of base reattached. Stable fissures and break lines with losses on tip of base. Surface wear commensurate with age and exposure to elements. Some softening, but sharp details.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 10, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000