Aztec Skull - SP.631, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 1300 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Aztec, Medium: Terracotta. The belief that  More »

Aztec Skull - SP.631, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 1300 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 6" (15.2cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Aztec, Medium: Terracotta. The belief that death is a crucial element in the continuation of life is a belief shared by many Meso-American people. The Maya and Aztecs both regarded the 'other world' as an integral part of the physical world, and that the barrier separating the two was like a revolving door. Therefore, cults venerating and appeasing death flourished for centuries, and are still a fundamental part of many cultures. This remarkable skull strikes deeply into our primordial consciousness. Its power is elemental, forceful and penetrating. The delicate face and handsome modeling of the head is complimented by the stones natural color, that the artist has chosen to adorn it with. It is easy to imagine this skull being a dramatic and practical part in esoteric rituals long since forgotten, but still alive in the aura of the substances.   « Less

Olmec Stone Mask - DAC.070, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Stone, Condition: Very  More »

Olmec Stone Mask - DAC.070, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Stone, Condition: Very Fine.   « Less

Gold Pectoral Plaque of a Shaman Wearing a Saurian Costume - FJ.6323, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 5.75"  More »

Gold Pectoral Plaque of a Shaman Wearing a Saurian Costume - FJ.6323, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high x 5.75" (14.6cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold.   « Less

Gold Pectoral Disc - FJ.6324, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Gold Pectoral Disc - FJ.6324, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. While sailing the coast of Panama in 1502, Christopher Columbus reports having seen Indians with "mirrors" of gold worn around their necks. No detailed description of these 'mirrors' was recorded, though we may speculate that unornamented disks were what the Spaniards meant. Pectorals or breastplates such as this beautiful example were an essential part of ornamentation, probably reserved for important individuals such as chiefs, warriors and shamans. Some have only an embossed border, while others are beautifully decorated. A common motif are faces or masks with staring eyes, and exposed teeth. There are six identical faces swirling around this disk, separated by triangles which appear like abstract rays radiating from the double-banded inner circle. The entire design is repeated on the reverse, creating an exact mirror image. The number of holes on this disk suggests it may have been designed to hang from a beam, free-spinning; as well as around the neck. It's circularity and perfect balance makes this disk seem to revolve forever; eternally fascinating and lovely.   « Less

Gold Pectoral Disk - FJ.6325, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Gold Pectoral Disk - FJ.6325, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 3.5" (8.9cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. The iconography of Panama represents some of the most intriguing and mystifying imagery of the Pre-Columbian period. Figures of man and animal range from the highly abstract to the immediately recognizable. This wonderful disk is both unique and representative of Panamanian gold art. The upper portion of the design is crab-like, with two staring eyes, claws and pincers. It's central body becomes more abstract, with a solid rectangle and curved sides, surrounded by a larger rectangle with double borders. Below are two half-circles of diminishing size bordered by triangles. From this "body" long slashes side-by-side radiate outwards like ripples on water or waves of energy. The reverse of the disk contains a nearly identical pattern. Both front and back surfaces are completely filled with design, giving the impression of tremendous energy about to burst beyond the circle's boundary. Two small holes on the upper corners show this disk was intended to be worn, probably by a chief or shaman. Though the person who wore this beautiful pectoral is long gone, the disk itself continues to shine with as much radiance as ever, undiminished by time.   « Less

Gold Pectoral Disc - FJ.6351, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian.  More »

Gold Pectoral Disc - FJ.6351, Origin: Panama, Circa: 8 th Century AD to 12 th Century AD, Dimensions: 7" (17.8cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian. Medium: Gold. Pectoral discs are one of the most dramatic creations of Panamanian goldsmiths. The Spaniard, Fernandez Guardia, writes upon seeing these objects, "...but in the plates (discs), which they beat and extend without having to mix (with copper), the purity of the gold is noteworthy, reaching 22 karats." This gorgeous pectoral was probably worn by an important chief or warrior, who had earned the right to be adorned by an object so brilliant. The iconography is typically Panamanian, with the four faces grinning and staring as if at a vision. They are separated by four sets of three circles each composed of an inner circle and an ebossed center. The crab symbol may be connected with mythology, or be an emblem of the person who wore the pectoral. When seeing this beautiful work of art, it is no wonder Christopher Columbus was so impressed seeing the indigenous people of Panama wearing "mirrors" that glittered in the sun.   « Less

Gold Sculpture of an Armadillo - FJ.6164, Origin: Central America, Circa: 10 th Century AD to 15 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Gold Sculpture of an Armadillo - FJ.6164, Origin: Central America, Circa: 10 th Century AD to 15 th Century AD, Dimensions: 2" (5.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Gold. In Spanish, armadillo means, "little armored one." The armadillo truly is one of the most spectacular and unusual appearing creatures in the animal kingdom. Looking somewhat like a cross between an anteater and a turtle, the armadillo features a tough, thick bard outer shell that protects it from the harsh elements and potential predators. When threatened, the armadillo curls itself into a hall, becoming virtually indestructible. Subsisting on a diet of insects and invertebrates, the armadillo can often be spotted burrowing through the ground in search of grubs. Occasionally, they are known to eat berries and bird eggs. Due to their digging habits, they are sometimes known "gravediggers," due to the legendary belief that they were eating the bodily remains of the deceased. The corncob that this gold armadillo holds in his mouth is surely not a part of his natural diet. Perhaps there is a mythological explanation for this unusual pairing. Maybe this sculpture represents and ancient Pre-Columbian parable that bas been lost to us. Gorgeously detailed, this charming sculpture stuns us with its artistic beauty and tantalizes our imaginations with its mysterious meaning. Clearly, there is something here greater than we are able to comprehend. Most likely, this small sculpture is a symbol and self-preservation that would be a valuable les son for any culture or civilization.   « Less

Olmec Jade Figure - DK.019, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition: Extra  More »

Olmec Jade Figure - DK.019, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 5.75" (14.6cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition: Extra Fine.   « Less

Olmec Jade Figure - DK.020, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 6.2" (15.7cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition: Extra  More »

Olmec Jade Figure - DK.020, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 6.2" (15.7cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition: Extra Fine.   « Less

Olmecoid Jade Figure - DK.021, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition:  More »

Olmecoid Jade Figure - DK.021, Origin: Mexico, Circa: 900 BC to 500 BC, Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Olmec, Medium: Jade, Condition: Extra Fine.   « Less