Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A remarkable and exceedingly rare jadeite pendant carving in the form of a jaguar transformation figure. The head and the body are carved from the same piece of stone - the head is completely suspended on the thick "pin" like a bead and can rotate. The skill to make these interlocking pieces is incredible- and both head and rod have been extensively examined for breaks or evidence they were made from two different stones and somehow joined afterwards, and it was concluded this is genuinely carved conjointly! The body has arms crossed resting on folded knees- anthropomorphic position like a shaman sitting in a trance. Incised lines and drilled perforations throughout. A drilled hole through the head just under the ears is likely for attaching this piece as a pendant. Size: 2.3" L x 1.3" W (5.8 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: Private Espanola, New Mexico, USA collection, gifted via descent, from a collection acquired in 1971

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#183156

  • Condition: Old abrasions to the verso, otherwise intact. Light mineral deposits and evidence of wear to the drilled suspension holes. Modern wire added to the head suspension hole for attaching to a necklace chain or cord. Wire is easily removable if desired.

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January 18, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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