Description:

Southern Mexico to Guatemala, ca. 1000-400 BCE. The Olmec were noted for their baby face figurines. This is significant as representations of children is relatively rare in Meso-America. This head shows hallmark Olmec facial features - the jowly face, downturned open mouth with teeth showing, and puffy slit-like eyes. What we find intriguing is the hairstyle highlighted in red cinnabar that may point to African derived customs. The fact that the Olmecs were likely a civilization of African origins is generally overlooked. However, recent scholars including Paul A. Barton link the Olmecs to Africans in the Western part of Africa. See Barton's "The Olmec: An African Presence in Early America." Custom, museum-quality stand included with this piece. 4-1/4" H x 2-1/2"W x 2-3/4"D. Provenance: Ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Intact, Excellent condition with generous applications of cinnabar.

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October 11, 2013 9:00 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