Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Nayarit, ca. 300BCE - 300CE. Richly detailed pendant representing a long-horned toad elaborately carved from lustrous white stone with a beautiful patina. Frogs and toads were associated with rain and the sustenance that it brought about. The ancients of Mesoamerica interpreted their croaking as a sign of coming rainstorms. As "rainmakers" or rain heralders at the very least, these animals were symbols of fertility and rich abundance. Moreover, the life cycle of a toad from egg to fish to four legged animal was a dramatic metamorphosis that the ancients interpreted as a reenactment of the transformations undergone by shamans under the influence of hallucinogenic substances during ritualistic ceremonies. Incredibly symbolic iconography for this piece! 2-1/2"L

Provenance: Ex-Allen Heflin collection, acquired in the 1950s - remnants of Heflin's labeling on the bottom; Ex Lorenzo Fritz collection

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.

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  • Condition: Excellent condition.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000