Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Peru, ca. 0 to 200 CE. A standing male amputee figure carved from Spondylus shell wearing a solid gold hat, with a small turquoise bead inset into his leg stump giving it the appearance of an eye. This figure is definitely an amputee, because his stump is carved into the form of a zoomorphic creature. Spondylus shells have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. For similar example, see "Nazca Miniatures" published by the Dallas Art Museum. Size: figure alone measures .75" W x 2.75" H (1.9 cm x 7 cm); 4.375" H (11.11 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex-private Toronto, Canada Collection, ex-private Sante Fe, NM 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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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

#102329

  • Condition: Wear as shown, but quite excellent

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000