Mayan Tripod Vessel

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #80745
M296

An excellent tripod vessel from the Peten region of Guatemala, ca. 550 - 800 AD. The vessel has a 7-1/2" diameter and is 5" high. The primary motif consists of two representations of Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent, encircling the vessel. Each has a head with humanoid features attached to the tail. The legs are in the form of three vulture heads, each containing a rattle. Carinated shape with outward flaring rim, nicely burnished. One rim chip, else intact.

Mayan Stone Mask

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #80250
M294

A nicely carved Mayan greenstone mask, 4-1/4" x 3-1/4", from the Peten area of Guatemala, Classic period, ca. 550- 800 AD. As with so many Mayan pieces, it depicts more than one subject, the primary one of which is a Bird Deity. It is nicely polished, with two biconically drilled holes at the back for suspension. The jadeite is nicely mottled, the workmanship on the carving and incising is skilled and well executed. Small chip on the beak and a sliver missing off one side.

Costa Rican Polychrome figure

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre 1492: item #79465
N53

A nicely painted female figure from the Nicoya-Guanacaste region of Costa Rica (Middle Period VI), ca. 1100 - 1300 AD. Portrayed in the typical seated pose, she is 5-1/2" high and is wearing a cap like headdress and simple skirt. The complex designs on the arms and upper body are representative of the stylized plumed serpent motifs of the period. The necklace includes an hourglass shaped pendant, which may represent the small containers worn around the neck.

Tzintzuntzan Polychrome Vessel

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #78925
TTT1

A wonderful Polychrome "Teapot" from the TzinTzunTzan site in Morelos, Mexico, ca. 100 BC - 400 AD. The vessel is 9" tall and has a 7" diameter, with the thin spout protruding 3" beyond the body. Delicate, thin-walled ceramic work, painted in red over orange and nicely burnished. Spout reattached, else in excellent condition.

Nayarit Warrior Figure

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77907
N49

A fine Nayarit/Jalisco warrior, San Sebastian type, 8-1/2" tall, ca. 200 BC - 300 AD. Made from orange terra cotta, he is posed holding a club with mace head in his hands. Although these figures are generally referred to as "warriors", they are more likely ritually armed figures, instead of ordinary warriors, due to the two horns on the helmet and the funerary context. He might be a shamanic guardian. Posed seated on a two-legged stool, with incising on the helmet and pigment remnants indica... Click for details

Mayan Deities & Chiefs Bowl

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77568
M285

A rare Mayan bowl from El Salvador, ca. 550 - 800 AD. The primary motif consists of a series of nine figures, seated in the offering position. In addition to the ornately attired nobles, Monkey Deities and a Jaguar Deity are portrayed, each with speaking glyph and holding a sacrifice. The interior features eight turkey vultures, each with speaking glyph, arrayed around a central star design. The bowl has an 8-1/4" diameter, flared rim, a nicely painted base and is in excellent condition..

Costa Rican Mace Head

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77468
CR47

An exquisite stone mace head from Costa Rica, ca. 300 BC - 500 AD. This owl head type mace head is carved from a light-green, turquoise colored stone, discolored by iron oxide. Smoothly polished, it has a 3-3/4" diameter.

Moche Stirrup Vessel

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77442
Mo15

An exceptional Moche spouted stirrup vessel, 9-1/2" high, Period III, ca. 250 - 450 AD. This wonderful molded vessel features two Ai-Apec scenes, each showing the God in combat with an Underworld creature. He wears a snarling feline as his headdress and a serpent serves as his belt. Nicely burnished, with good decorative pigment remains. Ai-Apec vessels are among the most prized examples of Moche art.

Jalisco Female Figure

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77440
JA43

An exceptional seated female from Jalisco, 5-3/4" tall, ca. 50 BC - 250 AD. This is a Cusillos-San Juanito type, adorned only with the large ear ornaments. Painted in red over cream slip, nicely burnished. In spite of her apparent age, she appears to be pregnant. Lovely and intact.

Mayan Polychrome Cylinder

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #77433
M289

A great footed jar from Honduras, ca. 550 - 800 AD. The vessel is 5" high and has a 5" diameter. Its primary motif consists of three wonderfully detailed, flame spewing creatures, painted in black and orange. The flared base has alternating step pyramid designs, three of which are incised and perforated. Nicely burnished and intact.