Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Central Highlands, Puruha, ca. 800 to 1250 CE. An exceptional and substantial pottery human effigy jar, expertly hand-coiled and adorned with sophisticated stylized geometric motifs in black-on-red negative resist. The intricate decoration features a compelling range of swirled, netted, diamond, and stepped patterns. Rising from a narrow, planar base, the vessel expands into a swollen, ovoid form, its flared rim cleverly sculpted into a head with a raised nasal bridge, upturned nose, and delicate, pierced mouth. Abstract facial features are flanked by double-looped ears, each embellished with a hoop earring and multiple ear cuffs, likely serving a dual purpose as handles. This marvelous and notably large artifact from the ancient Colombia/Ecuador border likely served as a significant burial offering, accompanied by precious and perishable goods such as semi-precious stones, shell, metalwork, textiles, and feather work. Size: 7.5" L x 9.9" W x 14.5" H (19 cm x 25.1 cm x 36.8 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Knoxville, Tennessee, USA collection, acquired before 2015; ex-Jonathan Carofino Pre-Columbian Art, New York, New York, USA, July 16, 1999

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.

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#193289

  • Condition: Small chip to bridge of nose, as well as abrasions and weathering to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remains of negative resist decoration and nice areas of mineral and earthen deposits.

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American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

May 30, 2025 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