Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian or Manabi, Bahia culture, ca. 1500 BCE to 500 CE. An interesting shell pendant and vessel carved from a thick piece of Spondylus shell with layers of white and pink-red hues. A human face with a large nose and both hands placed upon the cheeks. Behind this is a perforation for suspending the piece followed by an integral raised cylindrical spout - the overall form of this pendant somewhat resembles a spouted vessel- perhaps used like a poporo, a small container for holding lime powder. Size: 1.5" L x 1" W x 2" H (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, purchased from Artemis Gallery, April 30, 2020, lot 191; ex-private New York, USA collection from 1966; ex-Lands Beyond Gallery

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.

#183427

  • Condition: Natural shell ossification and pitting, otherwise intact and great condition. Mineral buildup on interior of cavity hole.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 18, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% 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