This unique Olmec maskette is made from Guatemalan Imperial Green Jadeite and Imperial Blue Jadeite. It is an Omphacite/chloromelanite jade which "GemSelect" describes as the rarest and most valuable type of jade. Leoncio A. Garza-Valdes in the book "Precolumbian Jade" states "Omphacites are known as mesoamerican imperial jades". It probably contains inclusions of precious metals of silver, gold, and platinum. These metals can be seen in the pictures as spots or flecks...

This is an extremely rare, unique IMPORTANT Olmec quartz engraved plaque. I have only seen a handful of authentic Olmec quartz pieces in my 40 years of collecting. I have two others listed on this site. I have never seen another Olmec quartz plaque. This piece is highly transparent, water clear and dates 1200-600BC. It is made from a large rare thin 'Tabby' crystal with notches on the side. It is 3.75 inches square by 1/8"...

This extremely rare and stunning museum quality Olmec standing figure is made from beautiful Olmec blue true jadeite. It measures a whopping 8 3/8" long and 2 1/2" at the shoulders. The head is just shy of 3". It dates from 1200-600BC. It is the definition of Olmec classic with the elongated head and were-jaquar mouth. It has incising along the chest, left leg and left cheek. The back is quite unusual and rare in that the head shows the figure in transformation into an avian form...

This incredible Olmec standing figure is 5 1/4 inches high (13.5cm) and 2 inches wide (5cm). It is made from beautiful opaque Olmec blue jade. The right arm was broken off in ancient times. The figure is represented in the back as transforming into a bird, with the back of the head, ears, and upper strap muscles of the figure's back forming the image of the head, eyes, and beak. It has incised iconography on the front and back...

This incredible authentic Olmec true water blue translucent jadeite spoon, used to ingest hallucinogenic substances, is in the effigy of a jaguar tooth with an engraving showing the gum line. It has two holes drilled for suspension. The tooth is just shy of 2 1/2" and 1/2" wide. The material has specific gravity tested to be true jadeite. The blue color is evenly dispersed throughout the piece, extremely fine grained and it is the highest quality imperial blue jadeite I have ever seen...

This stunning pure gold necklace is from the El Bolo treasure, 200BC-200AD. It was found by treasure hunters who struck a deal with the Colombian government, the Bank of Colombia and the local peasants whereby the treasure was divided up. The Royal Family of Saudi Arabia purchased many of the pieces including full body suits. Artifacts from this treasure can be readily identified by the extreme purity of the gold which is 23K-24K. The Bank of Colombia among other items had 8 gold necklaces...

This is an extraordinarily rare and unique carved bone Mayan plaque. This masterpiece is the finest I have ever seen and very few exist. It is 4 1/2" X 2 1/2" X 1/8". It is from the Aapo Bolon Estate which was collected by the family while living in Guatemala from 1920-1980. I inspected the entire collection of over 1000 pieces and found nothing incorrect in any item...

This unique Mayan translucent jadeite tube pipe is simply astounding and extremely detailed. The earliest mesoamerican pipes were tube pipes and date back to 1500BC. The material being smoked was inserted into the mouth of the serpent and inhaled from the other side. It could have had a perishable stem such as bone or wood. It was probably worn as a pendant until smoked. This is a particularly unique interpretation and rendition of a coiled snake. The serpent coils at the back and ends with the ...

This is a spectacular IMPORTANT Olmec jade maskette pendant depicting a mythical transformational were-jaguar with very rare features. It has the face and mouth of the most famous Olmec artifact of all, the "Kunz Axe" which was the first artifact attributed to the Olmecs and found in 1890. The fangs and mouth on the Kunz axe are unique making this iconography an extremely rare piece. One expert theorized what at first appear to be whiskers on the upper lip in fact more closely resemble character...

Pre-Columbian Mayan Cylinder Vase – Honduras. Circa. - 600 – 900 A.D. Classic period. 7 1/2” x 7 ½. Displays Warriors and Nobles with fish faced glyphs encircling upper band. Repaired from approximately 9 pieces, root marks and numerous mineral deposits. Provenance: Hilton Collection, Santa Monica, Ca. Collected in the 1960s. Please Note: Color most accurate in Enlargement 1.

A Veracruz stone yoke circa 250-950 AD in characteristic U-form, the thick implement with polished surface except for the outside. A flat top, the sides tapering slightly downwards. The end of each arm is relief- carved with an ornate pattern of complementary bands and scrolling plumage-like motifs. Remains of a red pigment in a speckled grey-light green stone. Minor restoration. Length 15", width 14".On a presentation stand. Provenanace: Southwest College Auction, La Mesa, CA.

Mayan Decorated Cylinder. 10 ¼” x 4 1/4” Circa 600 A.D. – 900 A.D. A tall, polychrome decorated vase having a wide center band two large Moan birds, a sea shell. Upper band of well developed, painted glyphs. Wide lower band containing four large circlular elements. Repaired from several large original pieces. Some areas of root marks minor paint loss. Provenance: Ex. Prof. Hugo Munsterberg (1916 – 1995) Collection. Acquired from Andre Emmerich, 1974.

Pre-Columbian Chimu Goldball Necklace. Circa 1000 A.D. – 1200 A.D. 28” total lenght. 76 grams total weight. Composed of high karat gold beads including fourteen large, lentoid-ball beads, each interspersed with a medium size gold bead and sixty-four small gold beads. Several of the large beads have dents and evidence of crushing and small holes along the central soldering seam. Modernly strung, suitable for wearing. Provenance: Ex. Jean-Eugene Lions Collection, Geneva.

This extremely rare standing Olmec figure is 3" long and 1 1/2" wide at the shoulders. It is made from true jadeite that is semi-translucent at the right arm and shoulder. It is drilled in the back of the neck for suspension. It has a prominent navel. Please view my youtube video at http://youtu.be/8OFs-mik7ZI

A Teotihuacan stone figure made of a spinach colored green stone. A typical rigid body with squared-off shoulders, straight arms draped to the hips with incisions to denote fingers and toes, a flattened head marked by deep crescent in-cut eyes and mouth. It is drilled at the nose and through the earrings and wears a rectangular peaked cap. Measures 8" in height and on a presentation stand. Provenance: Leonard Kaplan Collection, Laguna Beach, CA.

Pre-Columbian, Very large, very striking female figure from Nayarit Mexico. 22" x 11" x 7". Fine detail throughout. Extensive mineral deposits. Provenance:Ronald Normandeau Collection, Laguna Beach, California.

Ancient Moche solid cast silver Tumi Sceptre c 300 AD with Warriors or high priest Lords. Fine sculpture and casting with inlaid stone eyes headdress ear flairs and shields. Xrf testing done for content appraised and authenticated by Lowell Collins with paperwork. The sceptre came from a 1960s Texas collection. Weight is 292g silver and is 9.5" long and 2 ' wide at the top.

Pre-Columbian Teotihuacan Figure 12 ½ x 4 ½ x .05. Circa 600-700 A.D. Provenance: Sam Crockett collection, Cohutta, Ga.

Rare and extremely fine pair of Incan sheet silver and gold ceremonial deer cups . The hooves ears tails and antlers on the male are in nearly 17k gold . The female is made of 20 different pieces of sheet silver and gold soldered together and the male even more pieces. This set is believed to have been made by Chimu artisans for the new Inca rulers, from what experts have said this is the only known pair of this quality in silver. The buck has most of His original burial patina as does some area...

This very fine Colima figure is a great work of art, able to balance itself in a position of action. It is also possible that this figure is a warrior holding a club rather than a bat.This piece dates from 300BC to 200AD. There are three repairs,the head was reattached at the neckline and the club was repaired at the lower end, there was a small crack on the left groin area that was repaired otherwise intact.This is a very unique Colima figure with mineral deposit overall . He measures13" head...

An incredible Veraguas gold figural pendant biting a double-headed snake, Costa Rica, Circa 500-1000 A.D., height 1 13/16 inches (4.6 cm); 14 karat pure gold; especially beautiful solid yellow gold, 4.81 dwt., original loop for suspension. This is a perfect specimen. A 10+. Provenance: Art Market, Canal Zone, Panama. Dora (b. 1920) & David McIlhenny (1920-1992), Green Valley Arizona, acquired while living in Panama, 1960s-1977; thence by descent. [accompanied with a letter of ownership]

Pre-Columbian Maya Eccentric Obsidian Scepter. Cira.600 A.D. to 900 A.D. 5” x 0.625” x 14.5. These visually complex silhouette scepters, many found at Copan,embodied their role as cutting weapons and were symbolic of the martial pursuits of most late classic period rulers. Repaired break. Ref. Maya pg. 259, Rizzoli, 1998. Provenance: Spencer Throckmorton Gallery, NY, NY.

Type 10 Mezcala figure, 9" by 3",showing heavy mineralization and root marks.Small chip on the chin under the mouth.

Important huge granite stone ritual pestle shaped as a bust or head with neck, Pre-columbian, the Dominican Republic, Taino Culture, ca. 1000-1500 A.D.

This sculpture, likely the head of Zemi(?), is authentic and comes with a beautiful ancient patina and provenance to a reknown old German collection, read below.

A very important and large stone sculpture, carved in the form of a skeletal face typical of the Taino culture with a finely decorated head band. The sculpture is ...

Pre-Columbian A Very Rare Chinesco Figure Seated Figure, ‘Type E’. Laguna. This striking, yet delicate seated figure with a burnished creamy white slip, decorated with red painted details, including the well known “Red Hand”, emblematic of the Type ‘E’ Chinesco figures in the distinguished museum collections, dates to the Protoclassic Period of the West Mexican sculpture tradition in Southwestern Nayarit. Relatively large for this type, the sensitively sculpted and painted youthfu...

Pre-Columbian Columbia Gold and Lapis Necklace. 25”L. Circa 500 A.D. – 1200 A.D. Restrung with modern hasp. Very stunning. Provenance: Charles G. Moore, Howard S. Rose Gallery, NY, NY.

A rare Sultepec mask, possessing a great nose. This piece dates from approximately 500BC to 200Bc it measures 5 1/2" by 4" wide the nose rises 3" from the back. there appears to be a small amount of repair to the nose. there is an old auction number as well as a small tag with DeRoche on it, although I haven't spoken with Dave it is possible it was once in his gallery in San Francisco.There is a small chip on the right side of the top. This is a great mask at a great price.

Aztec Serpent Censer. Central Valley Mexico. Aztec. Circa. 1350 A.D. – 1520 A.D. 2” x 5.25” x 25”. Musical Fire Censer in the form a of a serpent, very highly detailed piece. Repaired from several breaks multi color red, buff, cream, and brown. Very unique and beautiful. Provenance: Howard Rose, NY,NY

An exceptional Pre-Columbian Stone Metate, the Dominican Republic, Pre-Taino Culture, 1st. millenium A.D.

Large and complete square Metates from Taino Culture are extremely rarely seen if ever on the antiques market. This Metate is authentic and comes with a beautiful ancient patina and provenance to a reknown old German collection, read below.

Carved, volcanic-stone ceremonial metates represent one of the most unusual and complex traditions of pre-Columbian artifacts; they a...

This extremely rare authentic Mayan Guatemalan jadeite skull was found in Belize and dates to 1500BC-300AD. It is from the collection of Marvin King. It has a certificate of authenticity from Jim Bennett with seal and can be verified online. He wrote the book "Avoiding Reproduction & Altered Ancient Indian Arrowheads". It is 100% translucent. It has beautiful patina and mineralization. It is drilled for suspension. The holes are correct. It is 1 1/16" long. Note that this is smaller than the pic...

A fine pair of Pre-Columbian, northern Peru, Chancay culture star gazer figures, ca. 1000 to 1400 AD.

These stunning anthropomorphic figures are matching in style and colours and were likely built as a pair in the medieval period before the spanish arrived.

Featuring the typical highly stylized faces. Both the male and female figures stand nude on conical legs with their gender outlined in a minimalistic manor. They hold both arms out from the shoulders and are painted wi...

Pre-Columbian Olmec Jade Greenston Pendants (4). Mexico. Circa. 900 - 600 B.C. 2 1/8” x 2 3/14” L. Provenance: Estat of Carol Meyer, NYC. Each in the form of Jaguar’s claws, or teeth with curving, tapered ends. Four of the jades formed with concave reverse, each pierced for suspension. Four now strung on a modern gold chain, as pendants to a necklace. All are in excellent condition.

An unusual and rare Pre-Columbian necklace of ancient ivory-colored petrified Scorpian eggs and ceramic disc beads that were discovered together (it was restrung in Columbia). The multi-strand necklace of alternating petrified eggs and prehistoriv ceramic beads are strung in a bi-tone arrangement - 4 strands of petrified eggs alternating with dark reddish brown ceramic beads on one side, 4 strands of eggs alternating with ochre-colored beads on the other that are looped in the center and doubl...

Large Standing Soriente Figure. Remojadas, Vera Cruz, Mexico. Circa. 600-900 A.D. 15 ¼ “ x 12” x 3”. Hollow molded terra cotta. He stands with his arms widely spread holding an object of unknown purpose. Typical sloping forehead. Headware has varied well defined designs. He holds a object in his mouth, (often referred to as a hallucinogenic). These figures are thought to be children readied for sacrifice and are often refered to as “Happy Faces”. On old wood stand. Remenants ...

Pre-Columbian Olmec Standing Figure. Mexico. 1 3/4”H. Circa: 1200 B.C. – 400 B.C. A blue-green carved jade example depicting a standing dwarf figure holding his arms to his sides and his hands over his large stomach. Expressive facial features having an open mouth which has a drilled perforation. Drilled openwork arms with two tiny drilled perforations through the upper arms. Short stubby legs, left leg has a chip to the inside corner, otherwise intact. Modern mounted 14kt gold suspe...

This 18K gold bell is a real beauty with original clapper intact which gives an extremely pleasing tinkle. It is 7/8". This is especially beautiful gold. It weighs 13.4 grams. The sound of bells were used by shamans in their magical rituals to open portals or manifest will. It has a large decorated loop on top allowing it to be worn with a large chain. An outstanding piece of pre-Columbian jewelry.

Classic Olmec los Bocas figure. 1200 B.C.E. -500 B.C.E. this excellently crafted figure has faint traces of red pigment with mineral deposits. He (no breasts, or sexual elements) is wearing a helmet or headdress, with what appears to be some form of jewelry over his nose or upper lip. this piece is all intact with no visible repairs, small amount of normal chipping around nose and feet. Many years ago I put this piece into auction with Arte Primitivo. Fortunately for both you and I it did not br...

A very beautiful matching pair of Maya Jade ear ornaments from the classic period CA 500 AD to 800 AD. Both measuring 3 1/2" by 3 1/4".The form is Semi round having a large central opening and wide flare. Both have double perforations for attachment. A small amount of red pigment on each. One repaired from two original pieces, along with a few minor rim chips otherwise both are intact

Pre-Columbian Articulated figure from Teotihuacan, Mexico. 11" x 5" x 2". Circa: 600 A.D. – 900 A.D. Very rare in this size,with this high degree of detail, and body adornments (necklace, ear flares, and bracelets). All original pieces with minor repairs. Provenance: Ancient Arts Gallery, Laguna Beach, California.

An unusually artful large stone head of a man looking up to the heavens, Dominican republic, Taino culture, Early Taino, ca. 1000 to 1300 AD.

The sculptural head is unusual with very interesting features with the prolonged back of head, the strongly pronounced eye-sockets and high cheekbones. A piece of sculptural art worthy of any collection of Pre-Columbian art as well as other collections of beautiful sculptures.

Size: 14,5 cm. wide and ca. 12 cm. tall and 12 cm. deep...

A seated figure, possibly female, from the Maya culture of Latin America, standing at approximately 6 inches in terra Cotta

This ultra-rare Spiro Mound shell carving is 2 1/4" and has two suspension holes. The shell is translucent and shows beautiful patina. The holes are correct. The figure appears to be holding a ceremonial monolithic flint mace. The figure is wearing an elaborate necklace with a cross pendant and ear spools. It also has a weeping eye motif. LeFlore County, Oklahoma. From the collection of the late Randy Jackson of Garden City, Michigan. A no-brainer for authenticity.

This is a very rare and finely carved jade tubular bead with raised collars. It dates to the Costa Rican Nicoya and Guanacaste period, C50 BC. It is 4 3/4" long and 1/2" thick. It has a beautiful patina. One end has a single break (shown in the pictures). It has been professionally repaired and does not distract.

This stunning Colima shell mask measures 3" by 2 5/8" tall. It is attributed to the Colima culture, 200BC-200AD. Beautiful patina. Authenticated by a forensic laboratory. Comes with a plastic custom fitted stand. Please view my youtube video of this item at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQLbhNBg3zU.

This beautiful Olmec bead is made from true jadeite and is 3" long. The jade is opaque. It has the classic Olmec face incised into the side. The hole does not go all the way through, but is drilled at both ends with two holes for suspension. A very rare find.

An unusually artful large stone head of a man with barred teeth, Dominican republic, Taino culture, Early Taino, ca. 1000 to 1300 AD.

The sculptural head highly unusual with very interesting features incl. what looks very much like glasses or a mask over the eyes. Barred teeth and a very broad flat nose. A piece of sculptural art worthy of any collection of Pre-Columbian art as well as other collections of beautiful sculptures.

Size: 13 cm. tall and ca. 12 cm. wide, very co...

Dominican republic, Taino culture, ca 1000-1300 AD. , ca. 1000 to 1300 AD. A large carved ritual figure with a terrific ancient patina and provenance to an old German Collection.

The Three Pointer Zemi stone figure are among the very few items from Taino referenced by Spanish chroniclers of the 15th century. The three-pointer is the most unique Taino shape with its characteristic three cardinal points, and it's a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion.

This specimen has t...

Three Aztec pipes were sold at Sotheby's auction on March 23rd, 2013 for $12,890. None were as near as nice as this one or even the other three I have for sale here. If you would like a link to this Sotheby's auction, please e-mail me. This unusual zoomorphic pipe depicts a duck. Original red paint covers much of the polished black-brown surface and eyes and bill are outlined by incision. Ducks were associated with rain gods. Dimensions: stem length, 14 cm, bowl height, 9cm, bowl diameter, 2.5 c...

Vera Cruz Warrior. Mexico. Circa. 600-900 A.D. 15 ¼” Hollow molded terra cotta, standing warrior with one hand raised showing an open palm. The other wields a large, trapezoidal shield and he wears a sleeveless vest, belt and a long loin cloth. With prominent teeth, sleepy eyes and a well formed nose. Restored from a dozen or so large pieces with restoration over the break lines. Rear, third, support leg reattached with visible gluing and edge losses.

A terrific set of three finely made silver vessels, Pre-Columbian Inca Empire, 13th.-15th. century AD.

The set consists of a larger and very attractive hammered silver bowl (11 cm. in diameter and 70 grams), along with two smaller items, a votive rattling beaker (5,8 cm. tall and 19,34 grams) and a small thick dish (5 cm. in diameter and 17,13 grams).

Condition: Superb! Completely intact and the large bowl with iridecent patina.

Ex. German private Collection, aq...

Rare Pre Columbian necklace of agate, carnelian and quartz beads. The central pendant features a large-eyed, large-beaked terracotta bird that functions as a whistle that works and is loud an clear.There are 20 cylinder beads of agate and jasper and 2 cone-shaped crystal beads. Period: Pre-Columbian (500 BC) Condition: Small chip on the head of the whistle.

Large Colima Redware, Sitting Male Figure, without a phallus. 16" x 9" x 6" Ca. 200 B.C. to 500 A.D. Significant mineral deposits overall. Repairs to the upper head and facial areas, and pelvic region. Lower body incised lines, that appear to be pants. A very nice example.

Teotihuacan Articulated Maskette. Mexico. A natural buff-brown pottery mask depicting an wrinkled faced male, probably representing Huehueteotl, the fire god. Articulated lower jaw, upper with two teeth. Perforated eyes and ears and incised wrinkles. Repaired from approximately six original pieces with some fill along the break lines. Perforated along the rim for attachment. A rare example. 5”H. x 5 ½” W. ” Circa: 600 A.D. – 800 A.D. Provenance: Howard S. Rose, Arte Primitivo, N...

A fantastic and very rare massive ritual spearpoint in black obsidian, Pre-Columbian or early colonial Mexico, likely Aztec manifacture, 14th.-16th. century.

The spearpoint made of one full flaking block of obsidian, with central unknapped areas to use its full size.

Size: 48 cm. long and weighing c. 2,2 kilograms!

Ex the collection of André Hüsken, Hamburg, Germany, c. 1990s.

This extremely rare 6 1/2" angular owl effigy pipe was found by Dr. Allen Heflin in 1958 at the Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan site in Mexico. It is type 3A. The pupil of the right eye is missing. This is truly a fabulous pipe of which only a few exist in private collections.

This matching pair of Nayarit gold and silver spiral pendants were found together. The gold is 22K and hand cut, an amazing feat for today's jeweler and an unknown process with ancient tools. They are paper thin and spring-like, although lay flat. They are wearable. This is very desirable universal iconography. Purchased from the famous Lynn Langdon collection.

This is a very unusual artifact. It is bone that has been covered with 22K hammered gold. It is 8" long. It is either a pectoral or perhaps a nose ornament. The bone is broken near the center, but is completely covered by the gold. It is from La Tolita, Ecuador C500BC-500AD. This piece was found with a gold death mask in a tomb. It was found lying next to the mask and was part of the mask. The two were separated. The mask sold for $75,000. It is from the Ken Klassen collection, Bogota.

a fine collection of 9 gold nose rings collected in the 1930's in central America by the grandfather of a Santa Fe collector, most are believed to be from Columbia. The pieces range in size from 1 3/8 inches to 1/4 of an inch. All appear to be high KT. wt. gold

A large Moche stirrup vessel with Coca chewing indian, 200-500 AD.

A lovely piece with finely preserved colours and fine facial features.

Size: 22 cm.

Condition: Choice and intact.

Ex. Prominent Danish Private Collection, comes with COA and provenance back to earlier collection

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador/Colombia, Carchi-Narino region, Narino, ca. 750 to 1500 CE.

A superb large example of a hand-built pottery sculpture of a coca chewer (known as a "coquero"), seated upon a four-legged stool.

He sits in an upright pose with bent arms placed on his knees. He has thin legs with broad short feet, and wears a striped sash around his otherwise nude body. The enlarged head features bulging ovoid eyes, a narrow nose, and a horisontal slit as mouth. A large ...