Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala culture (Balsas culture), ca. 700 to 200 BCE. An abstract figure depicting a reptile and/or fish, carved from a dark green stone using string-cutting and drilling techniques, perforated at one end for suspension. Comes with custom stand. Size of amulet: 4.8" W x 2.1" H (12.2 cm x 5.3 cm); size on stand: 4.8" W x 3" H (12.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

The figure is fish-like in face and shape but the texture of its torso calls to mind a caiman or other type of lizard. Wear around the hole near the tail drilled for suspension suggests that this figure was worn as an amulet long before finding a resting place in the grave.

Provenance: Ex- Private Atlanta, GA collection

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#119913

  • Condition: Old surface fissure below one eye, perhaps original to the stone. Wonderful soft patina to reverse from being worn against the skin for many years.

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February 9, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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