Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivia culture, ca. 3500 to 1800 BCE. A pair of hefty axe heads carved from mottled greenstone with gray and pale beige inclusions. The rounded forms bear convex faces and sharpened blade edges while the slightly lateral projections of the handle edge perhaps made these easier to attach to a wooden pole or handle. Hand axes of this form have been found as part of the Kotosh Religious tradition, a name that archaeologists have given to ritual buildings built between 3000 and 1500 BCE in the mountain drainages of the Andes. Axes like these, although shaped like utilitarian tools, were made specifically for ritual purposes and were often buried with people of importance. Size of largest: 4.875" W x 5.2" H (12.4 cm x 13.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010; ex-Jack Hart, Poway, California, USA

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175131

  • Condition: Both pieces have minor abrasions and nicks commensurate with age, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness and preservation to form.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000