Lot 124
Starts at $225 A Pre-Columbian figure shown seated on, and playing, a large drum. From the ancient Nayarit region of West Mexico, circa 200 B.C. - 300 A.D. Measures approximately 5 1/4" tall. This figure depicts an individual not only actively playing, but sitting on a very large drum, as if riding it. While tempting to assume this depiction may merely represent an ordinary Pre-Columbian musician, it likely depicts a shaman who is in the act of traveling through the unseen realm in an altered state of consciousness, induced in part through the repetitive droning of the drum beat. It was creative for the maker to show the individual as if riding the drum, since the pulse of the rhythmic beat acts as a kind of engine, driving him through his trance-like journey. Drums and other rhythmic instruments were integral and important parts of shamanic ceremonies and rituals, used as ritual tools, rather than simply being musical instruments for entertainment. The important book, "Ancient West Mexico: Art and Archaeology of an Unknown Past" features a section on this very subject, written by the scholar, Peter Furst. See the section on page 183 titled "Riding the Shaman's Drum" for scholarly commentary on this exact, rare type of figure, and page 184 for comparable examples. Provenance: Former R. Ferri, private Nevada, USA collection.
- Notes: All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art, as well as Antiquities-Saleroom.
- Condition: Intact and in original condition with only minor weathering, wear chipping and abrasions. Chipping is limited to the rear rim of the drum. Heavy Manganese and other mineral and sediment deposits remain, evidence of the age and authenticity of this piece.
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| 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 |