Lot 95
Pre-Columbian, Panama, Chiriqui, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. An endearing miniature amulet, finely carved from a deep green jade stone with bright white inclusions, and bilaterally perforated under the neck, making for a wearable pendant. The word armadillo was adopted from the Spanish term meaning 'little armed one' and as such, this piece may have been intended to protect the wearer. Indeed its armor of horny plates signified strength and protection. Small but mighty, this well-rendered armadillo is truly a mini marvel to behold, replete with meticulously delineated plates running all the way from the neck to the tip of his corkscrew tail, pointy ears, partially drilled eyes, and nubbin feet. Size: 1.75" L x .375" H (4.4 cm x 1 cm); .875" H (2.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Armadillos are fascinating animals, often thought of in New World mythology as anomalous animals, because of the species' mammalian form with shell. Its prodigious digging abilities also led to its association with agriculture and the subterranean world - and by extension, the burial of the dead. The value of jade for ancient peoples of the Americas, beginning with the Olmec, lay in its symbolic power - its color was associated with water and vegetation; later, the Maya would place jade beads in the mouths of the dead. Many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks and to the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; Ex-J. Leff Collection - a famous collector from Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Pieces from his collection have been exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Frick Art Museum.
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#132553
- Condition: Generally excellent. Lovely as an artifact for display, but equally ideal as a piece of wearable art.
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