Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, ca. 1000-1400CE. Known as the Caldas Complex ceramics, archaeologists call these sculptures "slab-headed" figurines. Most come from tombs as they were intended to accompany the dead into afterlife. This example is particularly attractive for the elaborate details of his tattoos/body paint, characteristically abstract coffee bean shaped eyes and mouth, and most notably the solid gold nose ring piercing his nose which is intriguingly naturalistic in form when compared to his abstractly formed body. The Quimbaya culture is best known for its fine gold work. Since the Spanish conquest, this region has been lauded for the abundance of gold objects found in prehistoric tombs. Note how this spirited gent is creating percussive sounds by beating on his chest. How apropos as the piece itself is a musical rattle! One could also wear it as holes are drilled behind his arms for suspension. 9-3/4" T x 5-3/4"W x 2-1/2"D Provenance: Ex-Private Danish collection, acquired early 1970s. 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. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Choice condition

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October 11, 2013 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