Lot 12A
Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico, Chiapas region, Izapa Ruins, Maya culture, late Preclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A hand-carved stone border post that perhaps would have guarded the entrances to villages or agricultural fields. Seated atop a thick base, the stylized jaguar sits patiently, the tail carved into a curl on the verso, the mouth displaying fangs - a warning to the viewer that they were under the watchful gaze of a fierce being. Animals were used to communicate beliefs and jaguars represented both terrestrial and celestial power. Maya rulers often took jaguar names and erected monumental stelae as symbols of their control. Size: 7" L x 5.5" W x 17.75" H (17.8 cm x 14 cm x 45.1 cm)
Maya artisans used obsidian chisels, mallets and hammers made of flint and wood, and obsidian knives to create their sculptures into three-dimensional monuments. The Spaniards wrote of the Aztecs believing that stone quarried to be carved had magical properties and was alive, able to speak and offer prophecies.
Known as the "king of beasts" in the Pre-Columbian world and infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature and inspire respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were associated with strength and leadership, whether regarding spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000 from his grandfather
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#175115
- Condition: Natural surface pitting and softening to finer details. Chips and abrasions to high pointed areas, but overall excellent and intact.
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 |