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Lot 103
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Olmec culture, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. An incredibly rare, lifelike portrayal of a human figure, probably a child based on its delightful, pudgy face, hand-carved from dark grey volcanic stone. The child sits with its legs crossed, its hands resting on its knees, and its torso erect. The fingers, toes, and musculature of the torso are nicely carved. The face is classically Olmec, with a large forehead, almond-shaped eyes, a wide nose, and large-lipped mouth. Small teeth are visible between the slightly parted lips. Deep lines are incised into the head to create eyebrows, giving the impression that the child is scowling. Ears are carved on either side of the head. The hollow eyes likely once had an inlay, perhaps of shell, and based on similar known sculptures, the entire child was probably once painted white with red details. Size: 9.7" W x 15" H (24.6 cm x 38.1 cm)The Olmec are the ancestors of all Mesoamerican civilizations, and their artistic style, practiced in the tropical lowlands of south central Mexico and diffused outward through extensive trade networks that stretched into northern Mexico and central America, was inspirational for those who came after. The Olmec style became synonymous with elite status in the highlands. They created enormous stone heads, probably the first thing many of us think of when we remember the Olmec, but they also made more easily transportable figures like this one. Many of these portrayals are of children or infants, but their meaning remains a complete mystery. Based on a few known sculptures and the much later Maya practice of referring to young people as "ch'ok", referring to a maize sprout, there seems to have been a symbolic connection between children and the sprouting of the harvest. Roughly life-sized figures like this one may also have been stand-ins for actual children who were ritually sacrificed to bring on that harvest. For example, at the El Manati archaeological site in Mexico, the remains of several infants were found with wooden busts of children with similar facial expressions to the better-known stone and ceramic representations. This stone example was probably placed into a tomb.Accompanied by a Preusser analysis from 2010 that concludes that it is indeed ancient - that there is nothing about the piece to suggest it is not of the correct age. Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s Condition: Intact, although there may be a small repair on one ear - but if so, it is incredibly well done and difficult to see. With a weathered surface and rich, dark patina commensurate with age and handling. 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. #144326
Lot 105a
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala culture, ca. 500 to 100 BCE. An intriguing example of an anthropomorphic axe god figure, hand-carved from mottled sage-green stone with attractive beige and dark-green inclusions. The figure stands atop fused legs which taper to an acute edge - hence the name "axe god" - and holds wide arms tightly against the cylindrical chest. A grooved neckline is surmounted by an enlarged spherical head, the visage of which boasts recessed ovoid eyes, a broad triangular nose above string-cut lips, and wide cheeks. Size: 2.3" W x 8.375" H (5.8 cm x 21.3 cm); 8.9" H (22.6 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection Condition: Old losses to areas of feet as well as top and back of head. Minor abrasions and nicks to limbs, body, and head, with softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label on one leg. 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. #135860
Lot 105b
Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, Proto-Maya, Pre-Classic period, ca. 1000 BCE. Carved from stone of taupe-grey hues with white inclusions, a seated voluptuous female fertility figure with her legs crossed and well-modeled curves. Her visage is nicely delineated with incised almond-shaped eyes, a relatively naturalistic nose, and a gentle smile - her hair pulled back to a low bun/chignon. Given the focus on her bosom and ample derriere - as well as the fact that she appears to be holding her breasts - this is likely a very early Mother Goddess or fertility figure from the ancients of the Americas. Size: 6" W x 6.25" H (15.2 cm x 15.9 cm) Provenance: private Ketelsen collection, Laguna, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2005 Condition: Old nicks to top of head, underside of base, and high-pointed areas. Expected surface wear with some softening to details, but overall very well preserved. Amazing deposits in hues of chocolate brown, white, and rose. Quite special and rare. 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. #145855
Lot 111a
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. An attractive mortar and pestle of a substantial size, hand-carved from mottled dark-green stone with beige and black inclusions. The mortar bowl is defined by a flat base, lightly-flared walls with a thick rim, and a deep basin, and the pestle pounder has an elongated conical form with a smooth handle and pounding face. Large mortars like this example were used for grinding copious amounts of hallucinogenic substances in preparation for consumption; however, they were also used for more utilitarian tasks as well like pulverizing foodstuffs or grinding medicinal ingredients. Size (mortar): 7.4" W x 4.875" H (18.8 cm x 12.4 cm); size (pestle): 4.7" L (11.9 cm).The Chavin lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic figures. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany Condition: Professional repair to two large sections of mortar rim with light resurfacing and very light adhesive residue along the near-invisible break lines. Minor nicks and abrasions to pestle as well as mortar rim, walls, and base, with light encrustations within some pitting holes. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath base of mortar. 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. #146288
Lot 111c
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Casa Grande, earliest type of stirrup vessel called "Classic Chavin", ca. 1200 BCE. A stupendous example of the early monochrome stirrup vessels found in the mountains and river valleys of Northern Peru. Typical are the large spouts with arched forms, and stone polished surfaces. This beautiful vessel depicts spiraled tendrils of phytomorphic forms in bas relief with a textured ground. A stunning example with a carefully polished surface. Size: 10" H (25.4 cm)The stirrup vessel form is named for the stirrup for horseback riding. In addition to being iconographically rich, these vessels were also practical. Their narrow openings prevented rapid evaporation of the precious liquid within - a great advantage given the extremely dry deserts of Peru. Note also that the shape of the neck made it easy to carry. Two stirrup vessels could be tied to the ends of a cord and suspended over a llama's back or a person's shoulder.The Chavin civilization is generally regarded as the Andean mother civilization - oftentimes compared to the Olmec of Mexico. Both the Chavin and the Olmec cultures created the earliest Pre-Columbian visual culture that continued to flourish until European contact in the 16th century. Using molds and modeling the forms by hand, the Chavin made numerous stirrup-spout vessels like this example. Scholars have suggested that the indigenous used them to store fermented corn beer or "chicha". Provenance: ex-Martha Lyman estate collection, Dayton, Tennessee, USA Condition: Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions to stirrup and spout. Patched probe holes on the stirrup. Chip to relief design on one side. Otherwise very good. 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. #146772
Lot 112a
Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Lemon Carro, Chavin culture, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. Wow! An absolutely stunning pale red stone cup, cylindrical in form, with its entire exterior - the sides and bottom of the vessel - carved with a multitude of relief figures representing gods and important religious contexts. Multiple serpents, jaguars, birds, and a central figure that appears to combine human and avian features encircle the body. The lower profile areas are colored bright red with a rich layer of cinnabar pigment. The detail and preservation is truly incredible! Comes in custom display case with mirror on base so you can see the underside! Size of cup: 2.4" W x 3.75" H (6.1 cm x 9.5 cm); size of case: Size: 6" L x 6" W x 11.15" H (15.2 cm x 15.2 cm x 28.3 cm)The Chavin people lived in the northern Highland Andes, and their capital, Chavin de Huantar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artwork of Chavin represents the first widespread style in the Andes. The center of Chavin de Huantar is a massive, flat-topped pyramid, surrounded by lower platforms. Between 1200 and 500 BCE the pyramid space was used for religious ceremonies. The Old Temple, constructed very early in the history of the site, consists of a series of passageways built around a circular courtyard; within were carved stone monuments showing jaguars, serpents, and other figures with transformative and/or anthropomorphic features. At the very center is a towering stone stela depicting an anthropomorphic figure with a jaguar head and a human body, believed to be Lanzon, the chief deity of Chavin. Researchers believe that worshippers ingested hallucinogenic drugs, in part using vessels like this one, and then were led in the dark through the labyrinthine passageways before entering the central courtyard and coming abruptly face-to-face with the snarling features of the god.For comparison, see Christie's Sale #1775, lot 71, November 21, 2006, which sold for $192,000. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-H. J. Westermann collection, Germany, collected 1950-60s Condition: Excellent condition with wonderfully preserved motifs and remaining cinnabar pigment. Light deposits on surface. 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. #146667
Lot 112c
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A stunning bowl of a shallow form, hand-carved from dense stone of a dark-brown hue. The vessel is defined by a round but stable base, a thick rim, and a wide basin with a smooth, incredibly smooth surface. The base of the bowl displays meticulously-carved linear, curvilinear, and spiraled bands with a straight line down the middle, a curved line with spiraling terminals to either side, and a pair of lemniscate (infinity symbol) forms on either side which form the rough shape of a heart. Traces of decorative red cinnabar are visible across most of the incised decorations on the bottom. Size: 12.125" W x 2.5" H (30.8 cm x 6.4 cm). Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection Condition: Minor chips to rim, with light abrasions to basin and base, and fading to red cinnabar decorations, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout. 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. #146296
Lot 113c
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1400 to 1533 CE. A skillfully carved black volcanic basalt vessel, the body of a broad rounded form with incurved walls and a flat base as well as four integral jaguars crawling up the exterior walls, perhaps to drink what is inside the vessel. The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. A striking vessel replete with strong technique, attractive form, and layers of symbolic meaning. Size: 11" in diameter (jaguar to jaguar) x 5" H (27.9 cm x 12.7 cm)In their discussion of another Inca basalt vessel that is decorated with snake motifs in the British Museum, Smarthistory scholars have suggested that it was probably kept in the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) or nearby sacred buildings - most likely used to hold offerings or simply water as a means of seeing into the underworld via its reflective surface. (https://smarthistory.org/inka-an-introduction/) - The British Museum, "Inka stone vessels," in Smarthistory, March 1, 2017, accessed May 6, 2019, https://smarthistory.org/inka-an-introduction/. Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection Condition: Chips to rim and nicks to jaguar ears and other high-pointed areas. One section of rim/shoulder spanning between two of the jaguars has been reattached with slight restoration. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Nice deposits. 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. #146308
Lot 116b
Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Inca, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A silver kero or drinking vessel hammered into a beaker shape with a flat base and a flaring spout, skillfully decorated with an abstract visage created in repousse on one side and an anthropomorphic figure flanked by a pair of simian creatures on the other side of the vessel body. The portrait face presents bold features such as striking almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, an aquiline nose, and a slight smile. Given how he is elaborately decorated with ear ornaments and a beaded necklace, he most likely represented an elite individual. An impressive royal drinking vessel that was clearly used for more than ordinary domestic purposes. Rather, vessels like this one were used during life by royalty and after life at funerary ceremonies that incorporated intricate religious libations and imbibing rites. Size: 4.375" in diameter x 7.75" H (11.1 cm x 19.7 cm)To create this piece, the ancient metalsmith hammered a silver piece into a very thin sheet, approximately the size of the finished work. Then the artisan used fine-grained stone anvils and hammer stones made of hematite or green porphyry, sometimes with animal hide attached, and a wooden core template to create the form and its repousse ornamentation, as the metalsmith hammered the silver sheet upon the wooden template. An elegant royal Inca silver kero, comprised of pure silver that would have belonged to a king or noble and/or would have been used at sacred funerary rites. Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ron Messick collection, New Mexico, USA Condition: Expected age wear with some denting as shown, but overall form and detail are excellently preserved. Small fissures to periphery of base. Nicks to rim. Nice patina from age and handling. 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. #136605
Lot 123
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru Inca, ca. 1400 to 1533 CE. A skillfully carved black volcanic basalt vessel, the body of a broad cylindrical form with integral twin loop handles and two snakes depicted in relief on each side. The serpents slither in sinuous formations, one above the other, their heads facing in opposite directions. In the Pre-Columbian world, animals were highly symbolic beings. Serpents were metaphors for rain and blood, two life-giving fluids. At the same time, they were viewed as creatures that portend great danger. Their ability to shed their skin each year, and thus rejuvenate themselves, also made them symbolic of health and renewal. A striking vessel replete with strong technique, attractive form, and layers of symbolic meaning. Size: 15.25" W handlespan x 4.25" H (38.7 cm x 10.8 cm)In their discussion of another Inca basalt vessel with snake motifs in the British Museum, Smarthistory scholars have suggested that it was probably kept in the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) or nearby sacred buildings - most likely used to hold offerings or simply water as a means of seeing into the underworld via its reflective surface. The coiled - or in this case sinous - serpent bodies were most likely intended to resemble flowing water. (https://smarthistory.org/inka-an-introduction/) - The British Museum, "Inka stone vessels," in Smarthistory, March 1, 2017, accessed May 6, 2019, https://smarthistory.org/inka-an-introduction/. Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection Condition: Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Old chips to rim, base, and high-pointed areas. Otherwise intact. Serpent forms are vivid. Label indicating "basalt" on bottom. 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. #146298
Lot 142f
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste Nicoya Region, ca. 1 to 500 CE. A wonderful example of a stone mace head, highly polished to a sheen. This one has a cylindrical socket and one side carved into a fierce, bat-like face with huge, round eyes that would have once had inlays of precious metal, stone, or shell; the face also has human characteristics, like a pointed nose and large-lipped mouth. Two ears peek up from the top of the head. The stone is a hard, marbled grey-white with some green on its reverse side. Size: 3.05" W x 1.85" H (7.7 cm x 4.7 cm); 3.7" H (9.4 cm) on included custom stand.Based on many pottery figures from throughout the pre-Columbian world, figural maces were often symbolic objects, carried by rulers and gods as visible signs of their power. The level of craftsmanship on this beautiful piece indicates that it was worth the time put in to create it, and that a highly skilled artisan - possibly someone who specialized in making such objects - created it for someone wealthy. Perhaps this example was created for someone whose family was identified with bats or who had a special affinity for the animals. Provenance: ex-private Miami, Florida, USA collection, since 1980 Condition: Beautifully preserved with light deposits on surface. 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. #146658
Lot 143
Pre-Columbian, northern Chile or Argentina, Mapuche people, ca. 1500 CE. Adeptly hand-carved from a single piece of hard black basalt and meticulously polished to a nice sheen, this intimidating stone mace has three rows of pointed spikes at the upper end and a substantial handle for the user. At the top is a disc-shaped convex head that mirrors the end of the handle opposite it. The traditional weapons of the Mapuche included bows and arrows, slingshots, stone balls, and maces like this one; they used these in warfare amongst kin groups and, after the arrival of the Spanish, to fight against their conquest. Size: 9.5" L x 4" in diameter (24.1 cm x 10.2 cm)The Mapuche were a fierce people who successfully resisted numerous attempts by the Inca Empire to subjugate them - valiantly fighting the Spaniards for over 300 years. In fact, the Mapuche were so successful at repelling the Spaniards that there were areas of their land untouched by Europeans until late in the 19th century. Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection Condition: A few chips to some of the points and end of the handle. Stable fissure/crack to the stone radiating from one of the chips on the handle. Expected surface wear with scuffs and abrasions. Otherwise excellent. Nice earthen deposits in recessed areas. 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. #144777
Lot 143b
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 800 CE. An elegant, skillfully carved and string cut, anthropomorphic green stone figure with incised arms at sides, differentiated legs and feet, an oversized head presenting slit eyes, a triangular nose, and slit mouth - this tranquil visage is topped by a lobed coiffure or headband with incised vertical and horizontal striations. A wonderful minimalist interpretation of the human form from the ancients of Teotihuacan. Size: 4.625" H (11.7 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Florida, USA collection Condition: Small chip to left upper corner of coiffure/headband. Normal surface wear with scuffs and minute nicks commensurate with age. Scattered deposits. Slight stain from former collection label on verso of head. Old collection label on verso of right foot. 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. #146356
Lot 148b
North America, modern-day southeastern/midwestern United States, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A huge black and grey chert knapped hoe or spade, with a rounded butt and a bifacial edge. The people of this region were agriculturalists, who used large stone tools like this one to sow their crops. Knapped stones are made using percussion, striking them with other stones; the process required to get them the correct shape requires training and skill. Size: 5.15" W x 12.75" H (13.1 cm x 32.4 cm) Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection Condition: Intact, with rich patina on surface. 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. #146373
Lot 170
Europe, Acheulean tradition, found in Britain, ca. 1.6 million to 200,000 years ago. A fine, very large example of an Acheulean hand axe in the characteristic ovoid/pear shape, knapped from a red and ocher yellow chert. The Acheulean stone tool tradition, named after the location in France where tools of this kind were first identified in 1847, represented a revolution in stone tools. This was made by a homo erectus, a close ancestor of modern humans, and was made to be used in a variety of tasks - butchering and skinning game, digging in soil, and cutting trees and other plant matter. For much of human history, this was the dominant technology. Size: 4.55" W x 9.25" H (11.6 cm x 23.5 cm) Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Ritter collection, Collinsville, Illinois, USA Condition: Small chip from face. Two old collection labels on surface, one on each side. 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. #145286
Lot 499
BEAUHARNAIS EUGENE DE: (1781-1824) French Prince, son of Josephine de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy 1805-14 and Grand Duke of Frankfurt. L.S., P[rin]ce Eugene, with flourish, one page, 4to, Bavaria, 24th July 1821, to an unidentified Baron, in French. Beauharnais states in part `I have received from Madame the Duchess of Raguse the stone that I asked you to place in Paris.. You did well approving a payment of a hundred francs to the house employees who peddled the stone to England.´ With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear, otherwise about VG £150-200
Lot 385
Levinger & Bissinger (attributed to) Jugendstil pendant necklace, circa 1900 spray of plique à jour enamel and blue stone flowerheads enclosing an oval blue stone doublet above a baroque pearl drop on a paper-link chain (clasp deficient) the pendant 3.9cm across. Literature: For similar enamel and stone set pendants by Levinger & Bissinger see Fritz Falk, Jugendstil-Schmuck aus Pforzheim, Werner Wild Stiftung Arnoldsche, Stuttgart, 2008, pp. 226-229
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