Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Classic Period, ca. 250 to 900 CE. A fascinating pottery mold depicting a skeletal figure, accompanied by a modern terracotta impression made from the ancient original. The eerie figure features dramatically recessed eyes, an open mouth, and a pronounced snout-like nose likely meant to evoke a sunken or decayed nasal cavity - typical of skeletal or death-associated beings in Mesoamerican iconography. The figure wears a semicircular headdress adorned with a stylized sunburst motif, as well as a braided or chain-like necklace and a short skirt. This pairing offers a rare glimpse into ancient mold-making practices and the evocative imagery employed in Maya funerary or ritual contexts. Size of mold: 9.5" L x 4.5" W (24.1 cm x 11.4 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#194306

  • Condition: Mold is intact and excellent with manganese blooms across the surface. The terracotta figure is a modern impression. Both displayed on a custom stand.

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June 27, 2025 8:00 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000