Description:

Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico/Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A stone spoon of grey-green hues and an interesting form. A long, rectangular trough is at the top, pierced through the back for suspension. A thin trough connects this to a round bowl at the bottom, which would hang down on the chest when worn during shamanic rituals. Psychoactive substances seem to have been used in ritual near-universally in ancient Mesoamerica, as recorded by the Spanish when they arrived. Items found through archaeological investigations attest to how important they were for ritual and healing. Size: 3.6" W x 2.1" H (9.1 cm x 5.3 cm); 3.45" H (8.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, Ex Butterfield collection formed in the 1980's

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.

#143632

  • Condition: Small losses from one side and upper edge as shown. Otherwise in nice condition with light scratching and chips commensurate with age.

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June 29, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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
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