Lot 52
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Salinar, ca. 500 to 300 BCE; West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A compelling trio of Pre-Columbian pottery vessels explores the interplay between sound, ritual, and everyday form across two distinct cultural traditions. United by warm earthen surfaces and elegant simplicity, these works demonstrate how ceramics functioned not only as containers but as animated objects meant to be heard as well as seen. The largest vessel is a Salinar bridge vessel from coastal Peru, distinguished by its rounded body and arched stirrup-like handle connecting two spouts. Originally conceived as a whistle vessel, it would have produced sound when liquid moved through its internal chambers. While it no longer whistles today, its form still speaks to Salinar ingenuity, where vessel engineering and sensory experience were tightly intertwined. Fine surface wear and soft burnishing lend the piece a quiet authority. Size of largest (bridge vessel): 5.9" Diameter x 5" H (15 cm x 12.7 cm)
The mid-sized vessel is an incised Colima jar with a compact, rounded profile and a subtly flared rim. Its exterior is decorated with lightly engraved linear motifs that encircle the body, creating a restrained yet tactile surface. Such jars likely served utilitarian or ritual purposes and reflect the Colima preference for balanced proportions and understated ornamentation.
Completing the group is a petite Colima multi-chambered whistle pendant, remarkable for its survival as a functioning sound object. Modeled with rounded lobes and pierced chambers, it still produces a clear whistle when blown, offering a rare auditory connection to the ancient past. Objects of this type were often worn or carried, merging personal adornment with ritual sound.
Together, these three vessels trace a shared Pre-Columbian fascination with form, function, and sound. From Peru to West Mexico, they reveal how ceramics were animated participants in daily life and ceremony, transforming clay into instruments of presence, rhythm, and meaning.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; previously bequeathed to the Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem, Israel, stored for many years and exhibited in 1988; ex-Yosef A. Maiman collection, Consul of Peru A.H., acquired in 1993; ex-Kate Kemper collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1940s or earlier
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.
#197064
- Condition: Bridge vessel no longer functions as a whistle vessel and has been repaired with break lines visible. Chipping to rim of incised jar. Multi-chambered jar still functions as a whistle. All have weathering with abrasions to surface commensurate with age. Otherwise, incised jar and multi-chambered vessel are intact and all have nice presentations with scattered earthen deposits.
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 |