Lot 165
Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Oaxaca, Zapotec culture, Monte Alban, ca. 100 BCE to 200 CE. An intriguing, hand-built pottery incensario vessel in the form of Camazotz, the Zapotec bat-god. Camazotz is depicted with an anthropomorphic body in a seated position with attenuated limbs and a broad loincloth. The ancient deity boasts an expressive, bat-like head with broad, cupped ears, an upturned nose, impressed eyes, a crest-adorned brow, and a gaping mouth full of protruding fangs and a hanging tongue. Note the liberal remains of red pigment that adorn the tongue. Certain groups of ancient Zapotec peoples worshipped the cult of Camazotz by filling vessels like this with slow-burning incense as the deity was associated with ritual sacrifice, night, and ultimately death. Traces of red hues on the tongue suggest this piece was at one time adorned with layers of brightly colored pigment. A fabulous and exceptionally rare example of fine Zapotec pottery! Size: 5" W x 8.6" H (12.7 cm x 21.8 cm)
Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery, April 25th, 2019, Pre-Columbian, Tribal, Ethnographic auction, lot 104D; ex private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170747
- Condition: Crest and one upper fang reattached with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor nicks and losses to ears, head, body, and head, with fading to original pigmentation, and light encrustations. Nice traces of pigmentation within mouth, and great earthen deposits throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |