Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 600 to 1100 CE. A rare stone palma or palmate stone, carved from volcanic stone in the form of bird tailfeathers, with nicely incised details. Palmas (Spanish for 'palm frond') were either held in place by hand or attached to the front of a stone yoke that was in turn attached the hips as part of the Mayan ballgame uniform. During the actual ballgame, players donned little more than strategically placed protective gear. This game was fast and furious, played with a very heavy, and sometimes lethal, ball. So the uniform was created to protect the player, yet simultaneously allow for rapid, nimble movements. Shows beautifully with a custom, museum-quality stand. Size: palma measures 8" W x 15.25" H (20.3 cm x 38.7 cm); 16.75" H (42.5 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex-Binoche Auction, Paris, France, April 16, 2008.

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.

#115926

  • Condition: Minor chips to peripheries and nick to backside as shown. Else intact and overall excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 3, 2016 8:00 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000