Lot 41B
Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A compact stone figure stands in a formal, frontal pose, its geometry and symbolism carrying far more weight than its modest scale might suggest. Carved from pale stone with scattered dark mineral inclusions, this figural pendant depicts a human form wearing a ringed headdress and presenting a composed, mask-like face with almond-shaped eyes and a restrained mouth. Across the torso appears a stepped fret motif, one of the most recognizable visual elements of Teotihuacan iconography. This geometric pattern, deeply tied to architecture, movement, and cosmological order, reflects the highly structured aesthetic language that defined Teotihuacan during the Early Classic period. The blocky proportions, squared shoulders, and abbreviated legs emphasize abstraction over individuality, reinforcing the figures symbolic rather than portrait-like nature. Size: 1.2" W x 2" H (3 cm x 5.1 cm)
A drilled perforation along the side of the head indicates the pendant was designed to be worn, likely suspended from a cord. Figural pendants of this type functioned as personal objects imbued with meaning, possibly serving as markers of identity, protection, or affiliation within the vast urban and ceremonial world of Teotihuacan.
The restrained carving style, durable stone medium, and canonical stepped fret design firmly place this pendant within the Teotihuacan tradition, when clarity of form and symbolic economy were paramount. Small yet visually commanding, the figure reads as a distilled expression of one of ancient Mesoamericas most influential cultures.
Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#199349
- Condition: Some light weathering, but, otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with impressive remaining detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% 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 |