Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. An amusing anthropomorphic seated dwarf, hand-carved from a mottled brown stone with both light and dark inclusions. The figure sits with one leg folded beneath another, more-exaggerated leg, with sinuous arms stretched out in front. The rounded, hunched back as well as extremely short neck tells us that the figure is meant to represent a dwarf. A globular head with a planar top rests above the body and displays a creased brow line, sunken eyes, and a characteristic drilled grin. Dwarves were believed to have magical powers in the Olmec culture and are often associated with shamanism. This shamanic designation meant dwarves were highly-esteemed members of society, supposedly able to channel and manifest their powers onto the world around them. Size: 3.25" H (8.3 cm).

Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-East Coast Auction House

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#130565

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks and chips to limbs, base, and head, loss to nose and center of chest. Light earthen deposits and nice mineral deposits throughout.

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January 18, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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