Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 600 to 900 CE. An intricately carved stone hacha depicting the head of a jaguar, the King of Beasts in Mesoamerica. Hachas were believed to be ceremonial axe heads, hence the name, which means "axe" in Spanish. Some scholars suggest that hachas were used as ball court markers, and some have proposed that they were attached to yugos (yokes) based on imagery of the Mayan ball game on ceramics and stone carvings. Most hachas represent human and animal heads. This particular example represents a jaguar, that spotted wild cat highly revered for its remarkable speed and impressive strength. A nocturnal hunter, the jaguar was and continues to be thought of as an underworld being and its spotted black-on-gold hide interpreted as the starry night sky. A wonderful example created by a Mayan artisan who truly knew how to bring stone to life! Attached to lucite block stand. Size: 5.75" W x 6.125" H (14.6 cm x 15.6 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-collection of Willian Leazer and William Swann, Dallas, Texas, USA

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#125894

  • Condition: Old chips/losses to upper end of head. Otherwise excellent.

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September 14, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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