Description:

Mexico, from Xoco, Aztec, ca. 1300 CE - 1500 CE. Carved from volcanic rock of rich red hues due to its high iron content, this seated deity positioned with hands on knees represents a long tradition of Mesoamerican stone carvings of objects and monuments. Aztec sculptures range from intimately scaled pieces such as this example to colossal, public monuments. The Aztecs carved both fully in the round as well as in relief. Unfortunately, the Spaniards destroyed many works, as they disapproved of "heathen" idolatry. This surviving example likely represents a male deity as male figures were often carved sitting with their knees drawn up and their arms crossed upon them. Note that the Aztecs did not aim to represent individuality. Instead they created ageless faces with inlaid eyes and half-open mouths to suggest a lifelike appearance, but with grave expressions to represent their ideals of male strength and female beauty. Sculptors would sometimes include animal-like features such as claws and fangs and deity-specific attire such as headdresses, pectorals, and facial ornaments that were immediately recognizable by worshippers. Note the magnificent pyramid-shaped headdress, grand ear ornaments, deep-set square eyes, and dramatic animorph snout and fangs represented on this piece. 6"L x 12-1/4"W x 4-1/2"H (15.24 L x 31.12 W x 11.43 H cm) Provenance: Ex-Dr. Allen Heflin collection, acquired in the 1950s. Dr. Heflin was an amateur archaeologist and registered veterinarian with the US Department of Agriculture working in Mexico from 1945 until 1962. 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. #95045

  • Condition: Minor surface wear. Near choice.

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March 19, 2015 8:00 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