Lot 187
**
This is an oversized piece that requires 3rd party shipping. Please ask for a quote prior to bidding.**
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 550 to 950 CE. Hand-carved from volcanic rock palma in the form of a warrior or lord with a swirling motif surrounding. The shape fanning the back of the heads gives this form its name - a palma from the frond shape of palm trees. The athletes from Mesoamerica played a ballgame while wearing a hip yoke - the palma has a notched base potentially to rest on a yoke with a palma shape fan to protect their chests from the impact of the hard rubber balls. These carved stones are impossibly heavy - especially this hefty example, so this may have functioned as a court marker to determine borders or to keep score during the game. The rubber ballgame was regarded as a holy sport of religious significance. Playing this game was considered an act of worship to celebrate the sun's movement, and by extension the eternal cycle of life and death- the scrolling shapes around this figure symbolizes blood or vines. Size: 7.5" L x 4" W x 18" H (19 cm x 10.2 cm x 45.7 cm)
The Pre-Columbian ballgame originated in the first millennium BCE, most likely in the Valley of Mexico, and was regarded as not merely an athletic activity but rather as a ceremonial means of controlling or predicting the future. The ancients of Mesoamerica played ballgames in a sacred ballcourt space. Some cultures expected players to dedicate themselves to practicing the game and preparing for matches; however, other cultures forced war captives to play the game and sacrificed the losing team. Another custom involved using the possessions of onlookers as prizes for the victorious team.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired in before 2000
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.
#175044
- Condition: Light mineral and earthen deposits in recessed areas. Natural surface pitting and softening to details commensurate with age and exposure to elements. Otherwise excellent and intact!
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |