Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz culture, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A fascinating model in two parts depicting a movable altar. The lower half features a litter with an open center with high walls for placing offerings. Glyph-like motifs surround the edges and sides of the altar. The upper half of the model is the sloping roof that covers this open center when in place, leaving only a small place to see the offerings inside. The roof, too, has glyph-like motifs that may identify the deity being worshipped. Large projections from the top of the roof with hanging decoration give it a large, grand appearance. Some remains of red and orange pigment are still visible on both halves. This model of an altar echoes the style of real Mesoamerican altars recorded in codices and by the Spanish. These altars sat atop pyramids. Size when fully put together: 5.95" W x 6.4" H (15.1 cm x 16.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-Merrin Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-private collection, acquired in the 1980s

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#148188

  • Condition: This item is in two parts. Both are repaired from multiple pieces. The repairs are well done and unobtrusive. The top of the altar has some small losses but much nice detail remains on both parts.

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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