Description:

Pre-Columbian, Maya, Classic period, ca. 250 to 900 CE. An adorable near-miniature jaguar figurine, carved from pistachio-hued serpentine, with two rounded ears, drilled eyes, full lips carved into a slight grin, a bulbous body, four short legs, and an upturned tail. The tail has been biconically-drilled for suspension. Size: 3" L x 1.5" W x 2" H (7.6 cm x 3.8 cm x 5.1 cm).

The form of the jaguar was revered throughout the Pre-Columbian New World as the mightiest wild feline and was used as a symbol of power and kingship. In Classic Maya art, the jaguar is associated with lordly might and as an avatar for the gods. Many rulers during this time took jaguar names: Shield-Jaguar and Bird-Jaguar, for example. One of the Hero Twins described in the Quiche book Popol Voh, the most famous Maya text, is named Xbalanque, which is almost certainly derived from the word for jaguar, "balam", and that twin is shown in art with jaguar pelt markings on his face and body.

Provenance: Louisiana deceased Merchant Marine, collected in Belize New River region prior to 1950

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#126527

  • Condition: Wearable with necklace. Surface wear commensurate with age and slight surface pitting, else very good and with great mineral deposits.

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September 14, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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