Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A large Valdivian stone votive offering, finely carved from a grey-white stone, depicting the visage of an owl in a characteristically abstract manner, with boldly cut geometric shapes delineating the eyes, nose, mouth, and feathery 'brows'. At one time, the entire piece was covered with a green pigment, signs of which still remain on the surface along with areas of mineral deposits. The owl was widely symbolic in the Pre-Columbian world - revered as the creature who carried the sun during the night to ensure that it would always arise in the morning. Owls were also considered to be Shamanic beings responsible for guiding humans on their journeys to other worlds, the divine realm, and the afterlife. Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 8" W x 6" H (20.3 cm x 15.2 cm); 6.875" H (17.5 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex-Private Maricopa County, AZ collection

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#118394

  • Condition: Surface wear with pigment losses (though unusual for still showing any remains of pigment) and abrasions as shown. Areas of mineral deposits and encrustation.

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August 30, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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