Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A hand-carved stone idol depicting an abstract owl. The large body and incised facial features create an intriguing, almost anthropomorphic presentation. Ancient stone stelae from Ecuador, like this example, are some of the oldest stone sculptures known to exist in the Americas, dating as far back as 3500 BCE. Certainly, each stele is unique; however, they do share a few common characteristics. They are usually carved from a pearly grey or beige stone and are for the most part "blockish" in form. The four most prominent themes of ancient Valdivian artistry include owls like this example, the "serpent/arrow," the sun chart, and the star chart. Size: 3.6" W x 7.8" H (9.1 cm x 19.8 cm); 8.1" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#175034

  • Condition: Repair and restoration along neck and verso, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Large chips to head and body, with abrasions and cleaning to some surfaces. Good preservation to overall form.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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