Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. An endearing hand-built terracotta whistle in the form of a scorpion, embellished with applied ring-shaped eyes, mouth, central spiked ridge, and a pair of pincers extending from the ovoid body. A tubular mouthpiece extends from one side and still functions- the sound hole under the mouthpiece emits the high-pitched notes! In the Pre-Columbian world, the scorpion was associated with the renewal of the agricultural cycle, and by extension, the renewal of life. The scorpion's tail was thought to sting lightning, which would attract rain to feed the hungry crops, thereby nourishing the land and its peoples. Size: 2.5" L x 1.75" W x 1" H (6.4 cm x 4.4 cm x 2.5 cm); 1.75" H (4.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#170700

  • Condition: Missing stinger tail. Rest of body is intact without repairs. Whistle still functions!

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August 18, 2022 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000