Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A wonderful stone head of a shaman in the intense moment of were-jaguar transformation. Ovoid in form, the characteristic Olmec visage displays all the key features of a sacred metamorphosis: eyes squint to appear feline, the nose broadens and begins to join with the upper lip to form a snout, and the corners of the mouth turn down, creating room for the formation of lengthy fangs. A marvelously strange blend of human and jaguar physiognomy; scholars posit that Olmec were-jaguars portray shamans during their metamorphosis into their supernatural counterpart as they engage in visionary trances, perhaps induced by powerful hallucinogens. Size: 1" W x 1.7" H (2.5 cm x 4.3 cm); 3.8" H (9.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, September 24th, 2018, lot 3; ex-Robert and Marianne Huber collection, New York City, New York, USA

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#175142

  • Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Some losses to tip of nose and lips. Chipping to neck. Expected surface wear as shown. Nice remaining detail.

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August 7, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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