Lot 117B
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A sizable and expressive urn lid, perhaps from a burial cache, depicting the head and upper body of a jaguar. The cylindrical body exhibits a pair of nubbin protrusions along the lower rim, likely where applied legs once resided, as well as a thick tail curling along the verso. The tapered form rises upwards to form the grand feline head that bears a pair of semicircular ears, a slender nose with flared nostrils, bulging hemispherical eyes, and an eye-catching mouth overflowing with 27 teeth. Size: 7.3" W x 11" H (18.5 cm x 27.9 cm)
The form of the jaguar was revered throughout the Pre-Columbian world as the mightiest wild feline as was used as a potent symbol of power and kingship. In Classic Maya art, the jaguar is associated with lordly might and as an avatar for the gods. Many rulers during this time took jaguar names: Shield-Jaguar and Bird-Jaguar, for example. One of the Hero Twins described in the Quiche book named Popol Vuh, the most famous Maya text, is named Xbalanque - which is almost certainly derived from the word for jaguar, "balam;" this twin is typically illustrated in art with jaguar pelt markings on his face and body.
Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, purchased on February 23, 2019; ex-Iconic Design Gallery, Inc.
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#170503
- Condition: Possible restoration to proper left nostril, with resurfacing and earthen material along new material and break lines. Losses to both arms, most of both legs, and areas around bottom rim as shown. A couple of stable pressure fissures along upper left lip and lower cheek, with nicks to some teeth, abrasions and fading to pigment across surfaces, and light encrustations in several areas. Chipping and minor pitting to both ears, a few teeth, body, and lower periphery. Great preservation to expressive zoomorphic form, and light remains of pigment across body.
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