Description:

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean Islands, possibly Dominican Republic, Arawak People, Taino, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A remarkable basalt stone effigy dish, meticulously polished into a shallow basin, with avian features on the beveled rim. On one side, large indented eyes and a small beak or nose hint at an owl-like visage, while opposite, small nubs with linear grooves suggest talons or toes. In Taino belief, owls, as nocturnal hunters, symbolized the underworld and were thought to carry the opias to the next stage of existence. Their hoots and screeches were seen as omens of impending death or the arrival of spirits from the beyond, making their presence deeply intertwined with mortality and the spiritual realm. Shamans, who communicated with the spirits, sometimes wore owl costumes, embodying these revered creatures. Size: 12" Diameter x 3" H (30.5 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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.

#189988

  • Condition: Minor surface scratches and abrasions, but otherwise intact and excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 15, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000