Lot 113
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A captivating greenstone figure shown in the process of a shamanic transformation into a jaguar with mesmerizing, feline eyes and a were-jaguar mouth that gapes open to showcase the still-growing sharp fangs. His arms lengthen and his shoulders jut back as though shaping the front legs of the beast with his left hand already resembling a paw. The figure's standing pose begins to bend at the knees to form hindlegs, as his back slopes forward, moving him toward the crouch of a quadruped. In addition to his transforming body, his head is quite interestingly shaped: lengthened at the top as characteristic of the Olmec, but also uniquely extending backward. Pear-shaped heads, like this figure's, were a sign of high status among the Olmec and were likely due to an artificial cranial deformation. Size: 1.8" W x 6.1" H (4.6 cm x 15.5 cm)
To the Olmecs, statuettes like this example carried many meanings, not all of which are obvious to us today; however, scholars surmise that the color green was associated with vibrant growth, renewal, and given the cyclical conception of life and death, rejuvenation after death. A breathtaking work of art, replete with strong technique, intriguing symbolism, and an inherently beautiful greenstone mottled with veining of various shades of green, white, and black hues.
A similar Olmec stone figure was sold by Sotheby's New York for $12,000 on May 17th, 2007 as lot 57 (The Saul And Marsha Stanoff Collection, Sale Number N08386) and again at Arte Primitivo for $12,500 as lot 12 on September 28th, 2022.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#174975
- Condition: Losses to proper right arm and right side of right leg and top of head. Minor chip to top left side of head, stable hairline fissure to head, and a few small nicks and light scratches to surface. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining detail and earthen deposits in areas.
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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 |