Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Earliest Horizon, Valdivian, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A Valdivian owl effigy with visages and perched bodies on each face of the rectangular-shaped prism, even the top and bottom. Boldly carved with angular and straight lines from a pale grey limestone, the surface with mineral deposits and burnishing marks. The many faces of this piece are quite apropos as owls are known for their ability to turn their heads nearly 360 degrees! Size: 3.25" L x 4" W x 8.625" H (8.3 cm x 10.2 cm x 21.9 cm)

There's so much to appreciate about this piece, its abstract aesthetic so in tune with our modern sensibilities despite the fact that it is about 4,000 years old. In addition, the owl was widely symbolic in the Pre-Columbian world. Owls were considered Shamanic, guiding humans on their journeys to other worlds, the divine, and death. In some cultures an anthropomorphic owl represented a warrior or war god. As a nocturnal bird of prey, the owl was also associated with night hunters, darkness, and the Underworld.

Provenance: Ex-Private Arizona collection

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#118973

  • Condition: Two pieces reattached to lower corner. Expected surface wear with a few small nicks here and there. Areas of mineral deposits. Nice burnishing marks.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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