Lot 364
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, ca 300 BCE - 300 CE. A very heavy and rare example made from iron ore (rather than the more typical Diorite stone material). While most of these Mezcala axe figures are made from used stone axes (typically Diorite stone), rare examples are known to have been made from iron ore and even more rarely from meteorites. The weight and density of this example suggested it was one of these rare examples, so a small portion of the thick patina and mineral depositing was cleaned away to reveal the dense, heavy, shiny, metallic black material from which it is made. It is believed that this example is made from iron ore, rather than meteor material, which both look and feel very similar. Such a hard and durable material would have been highly prized and rare for the maker and owner of this object. The overall form is of an axe that has been modified to show a zoomorphic figure above the groove line, with drilled eyes and a simple line for a mouth. A very rare example of the type, due to the material from which it is made. 2-3/4"L. Provenance: Former KY, USA collection. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.
- Condition: Intact with expected abrasions, weathering and wear overall. A thick patina remains that ranges from reddish brown to white mineralization. Root marks are etched into the patina overall, evidence of age and authenticity.
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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 |