Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerica, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. An amazing blackware jar with rich, fascinating iconography. A crouched figure sits with spindly knees drawn up; there is little suggestion of arms, but incised lines on the shoulders seem to indicate fingers, as if the figure is hugging itself. The head is bulbous, with a jutting, beak-like snout and long, aquiline nose; the eyes are deep set under heavy brows. Large, round ears project from either side of the head. Size: 5.2" L x 4.25" W x 6.15" H (13.2 cm x 10.8 cm x 15.6 cm)

On the back, the fingers seem to flow into short wings; a broad band of tail feathers projects from the lower back. The figure depicted is caught in a magical, transformational state, retaining some human characteristics despite its fantastical details. This probably depicts a shaman or god, and was made to hold offerings in a tomb.

Provenance: Ex-private Florida collection acquired at Arte Primitivo Gallery

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#120397

  • Condition: Neck has been repaired, but repairs are well done and difficult to see.

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June 8, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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