Description:

Pre-Columbian, Maya, probably Classic Period, ca. 250 to 900 CE. This is a pair of Mayan pottery objects. One, an impressed bowl, has abstract designs around its exterior. The other is a quite unique object, a large rattle in the shape of a tufted owl. The Maya, Aztec, and Southwestern US tribes like the Hopi regarded the owl as a symbol of death and destruction. For the Maya, specifically, the god Yum Cimil is made of bones and depicted as half man, half owl; he resides in the lowest of the nine underworlds of Xibalba and is made of bones. This owl has delightful details including wide eyes and extended wings. Sadly, the piece came to us broken in shipment; it has obsidian fragments inside to make the rattling noise, which have been restored. I personally really love this owl even with the repairs and think whomever buys it will have a delightful piece in their home or office! Size of largest: 3.25" L x 4.75" W x 6" H (8.3 cm x 12.1 cm x 15.2 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Private Seattle, Wa collection acquired at auction

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#111752

  • Condition: Rattle repaired from 3 or 4 pieces, with restoration at top of head. Bowl with one reattached rim section, stable stress crack.

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January 7, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000