Lot 104
Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, ca. 2380 to 1380 BCE. This is an adorable and miniature hand-sculpted pottery figure of an abstract and stylized feminine form. The minimalist features include a pair of thick legs and highly compressed body - indeed the head seems to rest directly on the legs with no torso to speak of, and the slightly raised "chin area" likely represents a pubis. The squared head and face are framed by an incised coiffure or headdress. A slightly raised protrusion down the center of the recessed facial plane creates a nose and linear etchings as eyes and mouth. Valdivian figurines often emphasis breasts, pubis, and the voluptuous contours of the female form, and it is believed that the figures were used in fertility rituals. These are among the earliest representational images of the Americas and their precise purpose remains a mystery. This rare miniature lady was perhaps small enough to easily carry in a pouch or wrap a suspension cord around as a pendant. Size: 1.32" L x 0.64" W (3.4 cm x 1.6 cm)
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available for $50 to the buyer. Please contact us to request.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.
Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection acquired from private southern, Californian collector around 2005
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.
#168973
- Condition: Singular TL hole on verso, otherwise intact and choice.
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| 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 |