Lot 128
**
This is an oversized piece that requires 3rd party shipping. Please ask for a quote prior to bidding.**
Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, Highlands, ca. 600 to 900 CE. In a word - breathtaking! Important, large and literally beyond exceptional pottery figure of a scribe. He sits with legs folded beneath him, his weight distributed to his right as he looks downward with right hand outstretched as if to make a notation with his fingers. He sits nude above the waist, elaborate belt tied at the front with patterned tassels , section of rope and ritualistic objects. On his left hip is a bird feather. On each wrist is a bracelet of carved circular objects, probably representing jade and on his exposed foot he wears an ankle bracelet and sandals, also adorned. Size: 12" W x 11.625" H (30.5 cm x 29.5 cm)
Scribes played an incredibly important role in Maya society. It was required they be of royal birth and be part of the ruling class. They recorded important historical events. According to The Canadian Museum of History, the scribe's writing "was used to reinforce a ruler's military power and to legitimize his descent from noble ancestors and the gods. Writings on stone monuments were designed to place rulers in the most favorable light possible, and ancient sculptural inscriptions deal primarily with historical events, marriages, births, military campaigns and victories, rulers and other dynastic affairs."
Interestingly the most detailed area of this figure is his applied textile bands and adornments around the waist, which drape naturalistically over his knees. We know that textiles played an important role in Maya religion and social status, but what we know about their clothing and attire is mainly from their painted depictions on pottery, carvings, codices, and figures such as this since so few of their textiles survived the humid climate. From these secondary sources archaeologists have deduced an incredible amount of information about the dress of the elite upper and warrior class of Maya society, the main subjects depicted in their art. It is evident they used animal skins as symbols of power, colorful bird feathers, and woven fabrics made from plant fiber such as cotton and agave on backstrap looms. The combination of hip and loin covering was the primary type of men’s clothing, and styles worn by elite men were usually made of cotton that may be decorated using a variety of weaving techniques, patterning, embroidery, or ornaments such as feathers throughout. Here we see a braided or twisted waist band with multiple panels, some with incised cross hatching and geometric patterning to indicate a texture or motifs in the weave, while the applied beaded areas may represent precious stone appliques, as well as scrolling vine like shapes to his sides, emphasizing a high status as a courtier figure.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired in 2003.
#173377
- Condition: Repaired with restoration across most breaks. More recent repair across right proper shoulder, right hand, right pointer finger, fabric tie on his loin cloth, with outer edges missing. Strong, earthy scent when moisture applied. Xray available to interested bidders. 5 Tl holes total: on right leg, shoulder near back vent hole, behind ear, under right arm, and left knee.
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 |