Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A very unusual carved stone piece depicting the body of a crocodile/alligator/cayman and the head of a human, cocked sideways. It is so rare to find a stone carving from the ancients of West Mexico - perhaps even more rare to find a hybrid anthropomorphic/crocodilia figure! Size: 6.5" L x 2.375" W (16.5 cm x 6 cm)

The Crocidilia order comprise of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans were treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility.

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#122155

  • Condition: Surface wear, abraded underside and lower section of face, but imagery still quite vivid.

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July 20, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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