Description:

Mayan Territories, 500 to 800 CE. The calavera, or skull in Spanish, had a very different connotation in the Pre-Columbian world. The cycle of birth and death was accepted as natural, even embraced by the indigenous of the ancient Americas. Over time and with Catholic influence this reverence and respect for the dead evolved into a major celebration, a holiday known as Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, when observers continue this tradition of creating skulls, although these are usually made of sugar or brightly, colored ceramics. This terracotta example exhibits gruesomeness that paradoxically incites fear and humor. Such unexpected dualities were common among the various Pre-Columbian peoples and thousands of years later emerged in the Mexican graphic art tradition of biting political cartoons and caricatures led by artist Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) who is perhaps best known for his calaveras. 6"H x 6-1/4"W x 3-1/2"D Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL acquired in the 1960s. 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.

  • Condition: Though a large fragment, this piece is a nice representation of a calavera. Good to excellent.

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May 21, 2014 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