Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero, Mezcala culture (Balsas culture), ca. 700 to 200 BCE. A cute hand-carved, nicely burnished stone object in the form of a jaguar with prominent, incised square teeth and deeply drilled eyes that may once have had inlays. The stone features umber-grey hues. An incised linear pattern gives texture to the body. Four small, rounded feet and three deep wells in the center of the back complete the form. These were used for burning incense. The form of the jaguar was revered throughout the Pre-Columbian World as the mightiest wild feline, its image incorporated into regal vestments. It also speaks to the transformation of the shaman into a half-human, half-animal spiritual creature. Size: 9.1" W x 4" H (23.1 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#155214

  • Condition: A few chips and losses from peripheries, notably on the bottom of some of the feet and from one side of the upper wells. The surface has scratches, chips, and nicks commensurate with age and use. Form and many of the details are still well preserved and it has a rich patina.

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April 23, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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