Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Lowlands, Campeche, Maya, Early Classic Period, ca. 250 to 550 CE. A dazzling pair of carved-shell discs of annular form intricately incised with mythological iconography in the regal style of the Maya Early Classic period. Both encompassed by decorative borders, these masterful carvings depict the Hero Twins holding up decorated blood-letting piercers. Both twins are adorned in jaguar-pelt loin cloths and massive necklaces, each embellished with a serpent head pendant. The legs form a LAMAT (Venus) sign and several other glyphic elements can be seen in their elaborate scrolling headdresses. Shell discs, like these examples, were inset into wooden earring assemblages. Marine shell objects were solely the property of the elite Maya during the Classic period. Boasting pearly white surfaces with liberal remains of pinkish-red pigment, these carvings are magnificent examples from the ancient Maya. Size (both the same size): 2.5" in diameter (6.4 cm); 3.375" H (8.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-private S. Buckley collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA, since 1972

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.

#161348

  • Condition: Some slight, ancient wear and ancient, minimal erosion to one disc along its proper left side and front. Otherwise, excellent with remarkable remains of original red pigment.

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August 26, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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