Description:

**Originally Listed At $300**

Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. A massive pale greenstone ear spool with a concave, round shape and an elongated conical hollow plug, pierced through in two places on one side, perhaps for wearing as a pendant. Greenstone ear spools are a symbol of Maya royalty. Ear spools are often shown in profile in Maya art, usually with a bead or serpent emerging from that central hollow plug; this is interpreted to be a symbolic supernatural passageway for the breath of the soul to travel through. This item may have been an heirloom, its greenstone and style associated by the Maya with the older cultures before them, specifically the Olmec. We believe that ceremonial ear spools were passed down through families for centuries. In that sense, they may also have been seen as a way to communicate with the ancestors. Size: 4.5" W x 2" H (11.4 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Ventura, California, USA collection, acquired before 1980

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#122837

  • Condition: Repaired from three pieces. Light deposits on surface. A few small losses on the peripheries but form is well preserved.

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January 7, 2020 8:00 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000