Lot 107B
Central Asia, Middle Bronze, Amlash culture, ca. 1900 BCE to 1500 BCE. A monumental hand-modeled terracotta idol with a boldly abstract form, blending anthropomorphic and avian characteristics into a single totemic presence. At the top, a bird-like head is defined by a prominent, beak-like nose and deeply impressed, pierced eyes, lending the figure an alert, otherworldly gaze. An elongated neck - improbably slender and towering - descends into a wide, trapezoidal torso, from which short arms extend at the upper corners and stout legs project below. The surface of the neck and chest is embellished with stamped circular motifs, possibly symbolic, while the figure rests upon a smoothly rounded back, giving the form a sense of volume and stability. Striking in its scale and stylization, this idol evokes the ritual power and abstraction characteristic of Amlash and other early Central Asian traditions. Size: 3.3" L x 6.8" W x 9.8" H (8.4 cm x 17.3 cm x 24.9 cm)
Votive idols were created in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism. There are some repeated motifs: outstretched arms, as on this figure, which researchers have interpreted to mean an act of supplication; similarly, the wide eyes on this figure is an often-repeated characteristic that researchers believe emphasizes that the figures depicted are attentive to the gods. Some scholars believe that figures like this were intended to portray worshippers rather than gods
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.
#194717
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines and age-commensurate weathering to surface as shown. Otherwise, nice presentation with liberal remaining decoration and rich encrustations to surface as shown.
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 up to 27.5% 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 |