Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Chorrera culture, ca. 9th to 4th century BCE. Easily the largest and most extensively decorated pottery roller sello (stamp) we have ever handled! The cylinder seal is deeply carved with a mesmerizing composition featuring fantastical avians, zoomorphs, as well as anthropomorphic figures. Its two handles are perforated, perhaps to be fitted with a crank-like tool in order to roll the seal over textiles, clay, walls, or even skin. Size: 14" L x 3.5" in diameter (35.6 cm x 8.9 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

For an interesting study that addresses roller stamps from an archaeological perspective, read "Art and Archaeology of Challuabamba, Ecuador" by Terence Grieder.

Provenance: private J. Hart collection, Poway, California, USA, acquired in the mid-1970s; ex-Edward Leon collection, acquired in Ecuador in the 1960s

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#148861

  • Condition: Chips/nicks to smooth circular endcaps of cylinder that do not interrupt the carved imagery. Liberal manganese deposits across the surfaces. Earthen deposits in recesses.

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February 13, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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