Nazca Llama Bowl

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #317403
NZ122

A fine Nazca bowl from Peru, ca. 100 - 400 AD. This shallow bowl has a 5-1/2" diameter and is painted on the inside with black pigment and white kaolin over the burnished red slip. It depicts the head of a sacrificed llama, with neck and protruding spine attached. A rare motif representing an important ritual. Intact, with good deposits.

Chimu Flute

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre 1492: item #316912
CH67

A wonderful Chimu reed flute from Peru, ca. 1100 – 1450 AD. It is 10-1/2” long and is masterfully incised with a variety of geometric designs of unknown meaning. This instrument is made from Carrizo, a bamboo-like reed, parts of which are used in shamanic healing rites, with the heavier stems made into ceremonial flutes. An exceptional example in excellent condition.

Moche III Sick Person

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #314154
MO266

A superb Moche III "Sick Person" vessel from Peru, ca. 200 - 450 AD. It's 9-1/2" high. The individual depicted is probably female, contorted with pain and appears to have lost the lips and much of the nose, most likely due to leichmaniasis, a flesh-eating bacterial disease still afflicting Peruvians. The layered clothing is presented in detail. In excellent condition, with white kaolin laid over the burnished red slip. A superb example.

Stunning & Rare Figure of a Colima Warrior, West Mexico

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #312926

This impressive Colima statue of a male warrior shows a skilled craftsman's attention to detail. The warrior is shown in action, his slingshot drawn back by the right hand and ready to fire. In what is probably an unintentionally amusing expression, his face is pinched up with an upturned lip and his tongue pushing into his cheek, all clearly showing his concentration on his target. He wears a traditional set of barrel armor, woven like a basket, to protect his body, along with a thick tail flap... Click for details

Choice Mayan Tomb Figure, Jaina, Late Classic

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #312491

Jaina Island is located off the west coast of the Yucatan pennisula in the Gulf of Mexico. Jaina served as a necropolis (a city of the dead) for the Mayans from about 300-900 A.D. Both rich and poor were buried on Jaina to such extent that tens of thousands of individual burial sites have been discovered on an island no bigger than two square miles. Both royal and common Mayan burials included objects that would be helpful to the deceased during their voyage through the underworld. These objects... Click for details

Valdivia Shell Pendant

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #309584
JM154

An unusually large shell pendant or pectoral ornament from the Valdivia culture of Ecuador, ca. 2300 - 2000 BC. It measures 3-1/8" x 2-1/4" and depicts an owl deity or supernatural being, as indicated by the large round eyes. Drilled side-to-side for suspension. In excellent condition.

I have an nice strand of ancient shell beads, which would work perfectly for restringing this item into a wearable piece of jewel... Click for details

Chimu Puma

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre 1492: item #309488
CH95

An adorable Chimu feline effigy from Peru, ca. 1100 - 1450 AD. This wonderful blackware puma is 9" high, 9-3/4" long and is depicted standing on all fours, with the tail curled to the side. She has a great face, with a broad grin revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. The necklace around her neck indicates that this probably represents the pet of an important individual. One leg cleanly reattached, else in excellent condition.

Maya Underworld Swimmer Bowl

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #307883
MA394

A fine Maya Swimmer bowl from El Salvador, 7" in diameter, 4" deep. It features two nicely detailed figures representing the Hero Twins of Mayan mythology, depicting part of their journey through the Underworld of Xibalba. The highly burnished exterior also has a good rim band with well drawn glyphs and a central band with alternating geometric panels. The interior is orange, with a red sphere in the center. Intact, showing nice deposits and root marks.

Maya Molded Cylinder

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #307023
MA461

A fine Maya creamware vase from Guatemala, ca. 550 - 800 AD. This nicely burnished vase is 6-3/4" high and 4-1/2" in diameter. It features two different molded panels depicting seated chiefs. Each is shown wearing an elaborate headdress, incised clothing and jewelry. One is shown with a speaking scroll. Professionally restored from a few large pieces. An excellent example with good deposits.

Jalisco Anteater Effigy

Archives: Regional Art: Americas: Pre Columbian Pre AD 1000: item #307006
JA73

An adorable anteater figure from Jalisco, West Mexico, ca. 200 BC - 350 AD. This cute little critter is 4" high and is posed with his paws grasping the tip of his elongated snout. In excellent condition, with traces red paint remaining.