Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A hand-built terracotta platform/dais scene depicting an elderly male figure, perhaps a significant lord or deity, perhaps the Old God (Huehueteotl), with finely delineated and quite eerie features including blank staring eyes, an open Olmec-inspired jaguar mouth with two front teeth showing, grand sinuous ear ornaments and a pectoral with remaining white pigment, attached to a four-legged bed with legs elevated, arms at sides (both with incised digits), and a blanket or swath of fabric across his chest. Huehueteotl, also known among the Aztec and various other eastern and central Mexican cultural groups, was regarded as the god of fire, and represented one of the earliest ways the ancients of the Americas worshipped the forces of nature. Nice remains of original white and red pigments. Size: 9.875" L x 4.375" W x 6.25" H (25.1 cm x 11.1 cm x 15.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Colorado Springs, CO, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#121424

  • Condition: One platform leg reattached. Surface covered with manganese deposits and root marks and shows wear commensurate with age. Pigment losses, though nice remains of original red and white pigments.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 11, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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