Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian/Shillacoto-Wairajirca culture, ca. 1800 to 1500 BCE. A ceremonial hand axe carved from mottled forest-green stone with sage-green inclusions. The T-shaped tool has a wide blade head with tapered faces bearing a sharpened edge, and the thick handle has a pair of projecting lateral tabs as well as a shallow groove along the top. 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 high Andes. Hand axes like this one, although shaped like a real tool, were made specifically for ritual purposes and symbolized the power of their bearer, often following into the grave. Size: 3.4" W x 3.2" H (8.6 cm x 8.1 cm); 3.8" H (9.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private California, USA collection, acquired in 2004; ex-private Gill family collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s; ex-Colonel William R. Cameron collection, 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.

#145145

  • Condition: Small loss to one handle tab as shown. Minor abrasions to handle and blade. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas, and great surface smoothness.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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