Lot 117A
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed region, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A powerful pendant carved from smooth greenish-brown stone, this figural amulet presents a crouching anthropomorphic figure dramatically crowned with a double caiman headdress. The face below is mask-like and intense, with a wide rectangular mouth bared in a fierce grid of teeth - a visual metaphor for strength and liminal power. The figure's biconically drilled neck and mouth enable suspension, suggesting the pendant once hung close to the heart, likely worn by a shaman, ritual specialist, or elite individual during ceremonial rites. His compact body is deeply abstracted - arms tucked tightly to his sides, legs bent in a poised squat - conveying stillness and potency. Beneath him, two stylized creatures are carved in profile, their faces turned outward in mirrored opposition. Size: 2.1" W x 6.4" H (5.3 cm x 16.3 cm); 7" H (17.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Their concave arched backs and folded limbs echo the crouching posture above, creating a vertical column of dynamic symmetry and spiritual continuity. These subsidiary figures may represent spirit companions or chthonic entities, emphasizing the pendant's layered cosmology.
Atlantic Watershed stone carvings are celebrated for their dense symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship, often blending human, animal, and supernatural forms. The caiman - a powerful predator associated with fertility, warfare, and transformation - appears frequently in regional iconography. Here, its dual-headed form speaks to the duality of life and death, human and animal, mortal and divine.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. 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.
#196076
- Condition: Head and proper right shoulder have been professionally repaired with break lines visible. Some light surface wear commensurate with age, but, otherwise, excellent presentation with smooth surfaces and clear detail. Earthen deposits in some recessed areas. Wearable as a pendant.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |