Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivia culture, ca. 3500 to 1500 BCE. A carved stone idol representing an owl, one of the earliest known symbolic forms from the Valdivia culture. The idol is fashioned from coarse-grained stone into a trapezoidal body tapering toward a rounded top, with the avian visage abstractly rendered by a pair of large, almond-shaped eyes deeply incised into the upper register. A linear groove divides the torso, possibly indicating wings or stylized plumage, while another vertical groove below suggests the beak or talons. The simplicity of the carving emphasizes geometry and abstraction over naturalism, a hallmark of Valdivia ritual sculpture. Owls held symbolic significance in many early Andean and coastal cultures, often associated with nocturnal power, liminality, and spiritual sight. This idol would likely have served as a ritual object, perhaps embodying protective or shamanic qualities. Size: 3.1" W x 6.7" H (7.9 cm x 17 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired between 2020-2024; ex-Ancient Resource Auction, Montrose, California, USA; ex-private Laguna Hills, California, USA collection; ex-Neil Becker collection, New World Antiquities, New York, USA

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#197862

  • Condition: Age-expected weathering with a few small chips in areas, but otherwise, intact and very nice.

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October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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