Lot 66A
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Aztec (Mexica), Postclassic period, ca. 1325 to 1521 CE. A compelling pair of pottery sellos comprising a large, flattened rectangular stamp crisply carved in low relief with two entwined jaguar serpents, and a cylindrical roller stamp modeled with an anthropomorphic figure shown frontally with arms spread and flanked by sinuous snake or fish-like creatures, the ends bordered by dentilled bands. Fashioned from fine earthenware and carefully incised to yield sharp printing edges, the rectangular example retains a recessed handhold on the reverse, while the cylinder presents a continuous register for rolling impressions; both display warm umber surfaces with mineral deposits and ancient wear. Such stamps were used to apply pigment to skin in ritual contexts and to decorate textiles, paper, and ceramics, with cylindrical forms ideal for uninterrupted borders. Size of larger (jaguar serpents): 6" L x 2.2" W x 2.2" H (15.2 cm x 5.6 cm x 5.6 cm)
The jaguar (ocelotl) and serpent (coatl) were potent emblems of rulership, martial prowess, and shamanic transformation in Mexica ideology, and comparable terracotta stamps are preserved in the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The roller is set on a modern custom mount, highlighting the sculptural quality of these evocative tools.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-Lands Beyond Time, New York, USA
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Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#201627
- Condition: Both have some small nicks and light surface wear. Otherwise, both are intact and in excellent condition with impressive remaining detail and scattered earthen deposits.
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