Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, Formative Period, ca. 2000 to 1500 BCE. A hand-built and highly burnished female pottery figure of tall and slender form known as a Venus idol. The face features incised eyes and a slender mouth as well as a thick coiffure, and the body is decorated with russet-hued pigment. Venus idols are usually of a shorter stature, so this tall example is rather rare and spectacular. Size: 1" L x 1.375" W x 4.9" H (2.5 cm x 3.5 cm x 12.4 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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.

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#179845

  • Condition: Professional repair along right side of body and right leg with restoration and overpainting along break lines. Abrasions and minor fading to pigment, with softening to some incised details, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to figural form. TL drill holes located near right foot and behind head. Previous inventory label along verso.

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July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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