Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Jamacoaque culture, ca. 350 BCE to 400 CE. A rare and tactile group of five Jama-Coaque pottery stamps, each carved with intricate designs once pressed into clay, textiles, or skin. Formed in terracotta, the stamps feature flat, engraved faces with geometric, zoomorphic, and figural motifs, including stylized creatures and abstract patterns. Several retain integral handles or raised grips, allowing for controlled application, while others are pierced for suspension. Surfaces show earthen encrustation and wear consistent with age, enhancing their sculptural presence. Such objects were likely used for decorative or ceremonial purposes, possibly to imprint patterns onto body paint, fabrics, or ceramic surfaces, reflecting the rich visual language of Jama-Coaque artistry. Size of largest: 2.7" L x 1.7" W (6.9 cm x 4.3 cm)

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection; ex-major gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, primarily acquired between 1985 and 2005

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#197173

  • Condition: Most petite has chipping and some losses. Loss near suspension hole to one. All have weathering expected with age. Nice remaining detail.

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April 3, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000