Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A lovely shell pendant or gorget that is intricately carved to depict an openwork deity figure with a rabbit. The rondel shape is curved inward due to the natural contours of the shell's body and the surface is lightly incised with circles and lines to highlight details. The interior is pierced with triangular and square lattice work surrounding the standing figure, facing right in profile, wearing an ear spool and skirt. This may be a representation of a moon goddess or maize god who are often depicted holding a rabbit. Due to lunar pareidolia, Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures identified the dark marking on the moon as a rabbit or hare and created many legends that explain the rabbit's supernatural existence on the moon. Rabbits were also associated with rulers, such as Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (also known by the appellation "18-Rabbit" or "Eighteen Rabbit"). Size: 3.5" L x 0.2" W x 4" H (8.9 cm x 0.5 cm x 10.2 cm); 6.75" H (17.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, acquired from Leonard Auction, Addison, Illinoise, USA, December 13, 2020, Lot 117; ex-private Dixon, Illinois, USA estate

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170632

  • Condition: Repaired, infill to break lines, and small area of restoration, to lower edge. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout. Overall good condition.

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April 14, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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