Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. A highly ornate copper alloy figure, at once anthropomorphic and mythological, depicted with a multitude of what look like writhing serpents emerging from its tall headdress, arms, and thighs. The figure holds something small and cylindrical - perhaps intended to be a musical instrument - in one hand. With the other, it tugs a long serpent out of its leering, grinning mouth. The face is grotesque, with bulging eyes beneath a strong browline in addition to its toothy smile. Who is the human figure depicted? A shaman? A lord? A god? It is not clear if this figure and similar ones depicted by the Tairona were meant to be real individuals or supernatural ancestors; many of them, like this one, have transformative animal elements. A loop on the reverse top of the figure makes it into a wearable pendant. Size: 2" W x 2.7" H (5.1 cm x 6.9 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140738

  • Condition: Slight bending to form. Matte patina on surface. Excellent preservation of detail.

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July 30, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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