Description:

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Postclassic Maya Period, ca. 1000 to 1200 CE. An evocative stone maskette of the howler monkey god Batz, finely carved with a fearsome visage with a protruding brow, flared nostrils, and jagged teeth that clench down on the scrolling body of a serpent. Batz was an important deity of the arts as well as a patron of scribes and sculptors. Monkeys were often depicted on Maya vases engaged in writing and carving human heads. Scholars have suggested that these activities may have represented a metaphor for creation of humankind. According to the Popol Vuh, Hun-Chowen and Hun-Batz "One-Howler Monkey" were both artists and musicians who had a major conflict with their half-brothers, the Maya Hero Twins. It was this conflict that resulted in their transformation into monkeys. Size: 1.7" W x 2.3" H (4.3 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#174962

  • Condition: Expected nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with ample remaining detail and light earthen deposits in recessed areas. Wearable as a pendant.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 22, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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