Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima culture, ca. 200 BCE - 200 CE. Magnificent carving of spondylus shell representing a crocodile, alligator or smaller cayman - an animal that inhabits a watery habitat in swamps and rivers and metaphorically symbolized fertility to the ancients of the Americas. The Spondylus shell was a sacred mythical shell among various Pre-Columbian cultures carrying numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season. This sculptural work boasts stunning coral hues and fine carving technique. Given its shape, it may have been used by shamans as a purging stick, prompting a literal physical purging as well as a symbolic spiritual purging during certain ceremonies. Custom, museum-quality stand included. 5-3/4"L

Provenance: Ex-Joel Malter Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired in the 1980s

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Intact and near choice.

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Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 13, 2014 9:00 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000