Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. An exquisite, finely carved, near miniature, blue-green jade were-jaguar figurine, standing in a characteristically stiff pose with long arms and shorter, separated, slightly bent legs with protruding knees, presenting hallmark Olmec features including an elongated head, a jowly "babyface" visage with a downturned open jaguar-like mouth, double pierced pupils in almond-shaped eyes, a bifurcated hair part, and pierced ears for suspending earrings or ornaments. Custom stand. Size: figure measures 1.5" W x 2.625" H (3.8 cm x 6.7 cm); 3.25" H (8.3 cm) on stand.

Note that even the fingers and toes are delineated! Scholars have proposed that the flattened and elongated heads of these figures are indicative of the artificial cranial deformation practiced by the Olmec. An exemplar of Olmec sculpture, impressive for its technique, iconography, and well as the inherent beauty of the jade. A superb scuptural work from the Olmec, indeed the first Mesoamerican civilization that most regard as the forerunner of subsequent ancient American cultures such as the Maya and Aztecs!

Provenance: Ex-private Scollard collection, acquired before 1990.

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.

#114263

  • Condition: Intact and choice!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 10, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000