Lot 35A
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Aztec Empire, ca. 14th to early 16th century CE. A monumental Aztec stone head, carved from dense volcanic basalt, its weathered surface still charged with the power and austerity that defined the sculptural art of Tenochtitlan. The head is larger than life, with deeply recessed eyes set beneath a heavy brow, a broad triangular nose, and a stern, compressed mouth that lends the face an air of solemn divinity. The raw texture of the lava stone, pitted and porous, enhances the sculpture's primal vitality - as though it were drawn directly from the earth's molten core. This formidable visage reflects the Aztec conception of sacred presence embodied in stone. Portraits such as this were not intended as naturalistic likenesses but as manifestations of teotl - divine energy that animated gods, rulers, and the natural world alike. Size: 6.2" L x 8" W x 11" H (15.7 cm x 20.3 cm x 27.9 cm); 14.4" H (36.6 cm) on included custom stand.
The stylized angular planes and severe symmetry echo the formal qualities seen in monumental Aztec reliefs and temple sculpture, where the human face served as a vessel for spiritual essence. Volcanic stone held profound significance in Aztec cosmology, representing the generative and destructive forces of creation. It was associated with mountains, the dwelling places of gods, and with the fiery origins of both the earth and humankind. Large-scale heads such as this may have served as architectural elements, offerings, or guardians placed within temple precincts, designed to confront the viewer with the eternal, unyielding presence of the divine. Its monumental simplicity and expressive restraint bridge the human and the sacred, standing as both a work of art and a fragment of spiritual architecture - a silent remnant of the Aztec world's intensity and devotion.
Provenance: ex-Rodney Brown Estate collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015
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.
#198317
- Condition: Chipping with areas of loss, as well as nicks and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, nice remaining detail with scattered earthen deposits throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
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 + | $500 |