Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Tezontepec, Aztec, ca. 1500 CE. Carved from volcanic rock, this seated deity positioned with hands on knees represents a long tradition of Mesoamerican stone carvings of objects and monuments. Aztec sculptures range from intimately scaled pieces such as this example to colossal, public monuments. The Aztecs carved both fully in the round as well as in relief. Unfortunately, the Spaniards destroyed many works, as they disapproved of "heathen" idolatry. This surviving example likely represents a male deity as male figures were often carved sitting with their knees drawn up and their arms crossed upon them. Note that the Aztecs did not aim to represent individuality. Instead they created ageless faces with inlaid eyes and half-open mouths to suggest a lifelike appearance, but with grave expressions to represent their ideals of male strength and female beauty. Sculptors would sometimes include animal-like features such as claws and fangs and deity-specific attire such as headdresses, pectorals, and facial ornaments that were immediately recognizable by worshippers. 11"H x 5-1/4"W x 3-1/2"D

Provenance: Ex-private Los Angeles, CA collection, collected 1940-1950.

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Expected surface wear. Intact and excellent.

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June 13, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
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