Lot 26
Pre-Columbian, Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. Finely carved and string-cut from stone, an expressive maskette depicting a shaman in the intense process of were-jaguar transformation! His slender eyes extend to feline form as his open mouth displays a pair of sharp fangs and an extending cat-like tongue. His upper lip seems to swell, pressing upward against his bulbous nose as though beginning to form the beast's snout. Note the bulging cranium with a central, vertical crest - both typical characteristics of Olmec transformation figures. A marvelously strange blend of human and jaguar physiognomy; scholars posit that Olmec were-jaguars portray shamans during their metamorphosis into their supernatural counterpart as they engage in visionary trances, perhaps induced by powerful hallucinogens. A remarkable example! Size: 3.5" W x 4.6" H (8.9 cm x 11.7 cm); 8.9" H (22.6 cm) on included custom stand.
The attention to detail on this piece is quite impressive. Note the expressive lips and cleft palette of the jaguar mouth, the full nose with pierced nostrils, and the stylized elliptical-shaped eyes. To the Olmecs, masks and maskettes 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. Additionally, jaguar imagery symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world; hence, warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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.
#174820
- Condition: Chipping to proper left ear and periphery extending to verso, but not affecting facial features. Expected surface wear with scratches, nicks, and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, intact and very nice with great remaining detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |