Description:

**Originally Listed At $1800**

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, ca. 1800 to 1500 BCE. An enormous T-shaped hand axe carved from beige-hued stone with areas of grey color. The petaloid blade exhibits two lateral protrusions on the sides that taper to a narrow point, and the sturdy handle was designed to withstand countless impacts. Hand axes like this example, although shaped like a utilitarian tool, were made specifically for ritual purposes and symbolized the power of their bearer, often following into the grave. Size: 9.875" W x 14.1" H (25.1 cm x 35.8 cm); 14.625" H (37.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Lands Beyond Gallery, New York, USA, acquired before 2000

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#156031

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and nicks across faces and peripheries, otherwise intact and near-choice. Smooth surface textures throughout. Old inventory labels on verso.

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February 4, 2021 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