Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Panama or possibly Costa Rica, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. A fascinating and strange, simultaneously anthropomorphic and zoomorphic tumbaga pendant -with a recognizably human face and serpents for arms - as well as a massive rod emerging from one side of the head/headdress. The figure also appears to have breasts and is either kneeling atop a throne of serpents or giving birth to them - an act made somewhat more unclear by its massive erect phallus. This figure likely represents a shaman given the combination of human and animal qualities as well as the mixed sexual characteristics. This miniature figure was likely a votive, perhaps carried by an individual or buried with them. Size: 1" W x 1.4" H (2.5 cm x 3.6 cm); the tumbaga is comprised of 48% copper, 46% gold, and 4% silver; total weight: 7.3 grams.

Provenance: ex-Craig Hendrix collection, South Carolina, USA; ex Charles Craig Jr. collection, Costa Rica, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s

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#154088

  • Condition: Overall in excellent condition with very light deposits. Patina has been cleaned.

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May 21, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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