Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona region, ca. 1000 to 1550 CE. A fabulous pottery vessel in the form of a caiman featuring a dramatically arching body and 2 spouts - one wide and flared at the center and the other tapering at the end, doubling as the creatures tail. Supported by a pedestal base, the creature displays a padded foot at each corner and an upward facing head with a square snout of barred teeth, prominent nostrils, and stylized raised eyes. Size: 10.1" L x 6.8" W x 8.5" H (25.7 cm x 17.3 cm x 21.6 cm)

The caiman (also sometimes spelled cayman) was commonly featured in human-animal hybrid material culture of ancient Colombian artwork. The Tairona lived in circular house platforms with areas of the houses divided for labor by gender. Ceramic manufacture seems to have been the realm of the women in the household, and small burnishing stones used for smoothing the surface of pottery prior to firing have been found in their areas. Effigy jars like this one were made specifically to be placed into tombs.

Cf. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (M.2007.146.417) and University of Miami Lowe Art Museum (2001.10.07).

Provenance: private Owen collection, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, acquired in the 1990s from a US-based dealer

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#190038

    Condition:
  • Professionally repaired with some restoration; all done very well and difficult to notice. Small chips to rim of tapered spout and edge of base, as well as some minor nicks and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail and rich earthen deposits throughout.

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American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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