Guanacaste-Nicoya Jade Mace Head in the Form of a Harpy Eagle - PF.2169, Origin: Western Costa Rica, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 4.625" (11.7cm) high, Catalogue: V6,  More »

Guanacaste-Nicoya Jade Mace Head in the Form of a Harpy Eagle - PF.2169, Origin: Western Costa Rica, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 4.625" (11.7cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Guanacaste-Nicoya, Medium: Jade. The sharp curving beak and outlined eyes of this splendid bird identify it as a harpy eagle, a creature of magical significance in ancient Costa Rica. Because it was solitary, powerful, fierce and all seeing, the harpy eagle was often associated with chieftains, shaman, or magic men. Ceremonial mace heads, derived from weapons of war, were symbols of worldly power and status. Carried atop shafts of wood, they were the insignias of persons of rank and power. Very likely this superbly carved eagle was the property of a mighty chief or sorcerer, carried on ceremonial occasions. Even across the barriers of time and culture, there is no mistaking its aura of strength and authority.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Funerary Mask - PF.2308, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 7.75" (19.7cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style:  More »

Colima Terracotta Funerary Mask - PF.2308, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 7.75" (19.7cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Colima, Medium: Terracotta. One of the most magnificent Pre-Columbian art styles belongs to the ancient artisans of the pacific coast region of Mexico that lies in the shadow of the 13,000-foot-high volcano, "Colima". The full flourishing of the Colima art style produced masterpieces, such as this terracotta funerary mask, that are among the high points in pre-Columbian art. The sculptors brilliantly solved the technical problems inherent in clay and transcended the limitations of their medium. The smooth and shiny tactile quality of this mask coupled with an extraordinary sense of mysterious presence invites us to envision the mystical ritual that this mask most certainly played a role in. In an ancient nocturnal setting, the moon's ancient and haunting rays can still be imagined shining on the mask's glossy surface. This is a face, simple of line but complex of spirit that continues to evoke emotion over the centuries. Who was the face behind the mask? We may never know. But the spirit of that individual will be with us forever in the spirit of this powerful mask.   « Less

Atlantic Watershed Jade Monkey Pendant - PF.2372, Origin: Eastern Costa Rica, Circa: 1 AD to 500 AD, Dimensions: 4.5" (11.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian,  More »

Atlantic Watershed Jade Monkey Pendant - PF.2372, Origin: Eastern Costa Rica, Circa: 1 AD to 500 AD, Dimensions: 4.5" (11.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Atlantic Watershed, Medium: Jade. Because of its rarity and exquisite beauty, jade assumed both powerful and mystical qualities in ancient Costa Rican culture. Indeed, this carved jade anthropomorphized monkey pendant is a stunning example of this spirited dynamism. Masterfully carved in the form of a monkey, the artist has imbued this piece with humanistic elements as well--while arms are held at the chest, knees are drawn up in a posture that is characteristic of human Axe-God pendants. A deftly carved facial expression of concentrated power captures our imagination and emotions, hearkening us back to the time when this magical pendant would have hung from the neck of its owner, imbuing him with spirited strength. Two perforations in the pendant may have been made for different hanging positions or to accommodate the addition of a strand of small beads, yet another element of transformational powers. To experience this magnificent work of ancient Costa Rican art is engage ourselves in a magical journey through time and space, for we too are participating in the ancient emotional responses that this powerful carved monkey pendant evokes.   « Less

Colima Terracotta Dog Effigy - PF.2408, Origin: Colima, Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Colima, Medium:  More »

Colima Terracotta Dog Effigy - PF.2408, Origin: Colima, Mexico, Circa: 300 BC to 300 AD, Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Colima, Medium: Terracotta. This handsome animal has very short squat legs, the front feet are turned slightly outwards while the hind legs are curved inward to help support the weight of the bulbous body. A small head reveals great detail with its perky pointed ears, open mouth exposing sharp canine teeth, alert eyes and well-formed nose. The short upturned with areas of black is distinctive of Colima style. In some Meso-America cultures dogs were seen as guides for human spirits in the underworld, and were therefore perfect companions for the deceased. Since Colima art includes many depictions of everyday life the representation of a family pet is quite natural, and in this case a particularly delightful one.   « Less

Colima Sculpture of a Masked Shaman - PF.2409, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.625" (21.9cm) high x 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection:  More »

Colima Sculpture of a Masked Shaman - PF.2409, Origin: Western Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 300 AD,Dimensions: 8.625" (21.9cm) high x 5.5" (14.0cm) wide, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Colima, Medium: Terracotta. One of the most exciting Pre-Columbian art styles belongs to the ancient artisans of the pacific region of Mexico that lies in the shadow of the 13,000-foot-high volcano, "Colima." The Colima artists' realistic clay modeling of a wide variety of human, animal and plant forms evidences cultural ties with similar Ecuadorian pottery traditions. However, through the course of time the Colima artists developed their own distinctive style, a unique example of which can be seen in this sculpted male shaman-warrior, dancing figure. Posed in a wide-legged stance, the shaman/warrior holds his arms out in front of him, his hands grasping what may be small rattles. His elaborate body costume includes leg and wristbands, beaded armbands and an elaborate beaded necklace that wraps elaborately around his neck and upper torso. Subtle ear spools, a nose ornament and cap held on by a chinstrap serve to embellish his face. However, his face all but disappears when the shaman's dramatic headdress-mask is positioned on his head. Immediately commanding one’s attention, this crocodilian mask has a long snout complete with fearsome teeth. Beady eyes stare out at us, while large stylized ears spring from the top of the headdress. A huge crescent feather helmet crowns the center of this piece, completing the startling overall effect. We have only to gaze at this masked dancer to immediately sense his age-old power and spirited energy. A spark of the imagination sets his body in rhythmic motion--the sounds of the rattles, beads and his hypnotic voice echoing across the ages, capturing us forever in his magnetic spell.   « Less

Chinesco Style (Type C) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Kneeling Woman - PF.2471, Origin: Nayarit, Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD, Dimensions: 8.125" (20.6cm) high,  More »

Chinesco Style (Type C) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Kneeling Woman - PF.2471, Origin: Nayarit, Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD, Dimensions: 8.125" (20.6cm) high, Catalogue: V13, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chinesco (Type C), Medium: Terracotta. An extraordinary example of ancient clay artistry, this dramatic kneeling female figure was created in the Mexican state of Nayarit, located in the western region of the country. It was here that craftsmen developed a highly distinctive style of art called Chinesco, so named because of the clay figures characteristic facial features small slanted, almond shaped eyes that combine with high cheekbones to convey an exotic oriental feeling. Here, in this touching example we see a female figure kneeling on her right leg, her left leg bent upright at the knee. One long thin arm rests atop her right thigh, while the position of her left arm creates a most poignant tone in this sculpture, for the bent left elbow leans on her knee while her head rests pensively on her clenched left fist. When combined with her thoughtful and dramatic facial expression, enhanced by the artistic use of a painted eye mask, the overall effect is one of highly charged emotion. The creator of this masterpiece has also enriched the figures spirited inner beauty by the use of painted body decorations that harmonize well with the painted facial patterns. In all, this kneeling figure arouses our myriad senses and moves us to an emotional level that is quite unique. She is truly a timeless work of art that speaks deeply to all mankind.   « Less

Chinesco Style (Type B) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Kneeling Pregnant Woman - PF.2482, Origin: Nayarit, , Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD, Dimensions: 10.5" (26.7cm)  More »

Chinesco Style (Type B) Nayarit Terracotta Sculpture of a Kneeling Pregnant Woman - PF.2482, Origin: Nayarit, , Mexico, Circa: 100 BC to 250 AD, Dimensions: 10.5" (26.7cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Chinesco (Type B), Medium: Terracotta. An extraordinary example of ancient clay artistry, this pregnant female figure was created in the Mexican state of Nayarit, located in the western region of the country. Here, expert craftsmen developed a distinctive style of art called Chinesco, so named because of the clay figures characteristic facial features small, slanted almond shaped eyes that combine with high cheekbones to convey an exotic oriental feeling. In this striking example, we also see the characteristic heart shaped head and pointed, ornamented nose that further distinguishes this commanding art style. Positioned in a birth giving posture, with legs bent back at the knees, this pregnant female figure holds her long thin arms over her distended belly. We can almost see her hands pushing down on her stomach, as she contends with the miraculous experience of bringing new life into the world. How touching is her demeanor, how universal is her circumstance. She is truly a testament to the tender sensitivities of the ancient Nayarit artists and their outstanding ability to translate those feelings into a beautifully expressive work of art.   « Less

Copador Style Mayan Polychrome Cylinder Vase - PF.2493, Origin: El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras, Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 7.625" (19.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8,  More »

Copador Style Mayan Polychrome Cylinder Vase - PF.2493, Origin: El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras, Circa: 600 AD to 900 AD, Dimensions: 7.625" (19.4cm) high, Catalogue: V8, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Copador, Medium: Terracotta. Mayan art was composed of a complex symbolic language with deeply important social functions. Mainly commissioned by kings and other elite figures, works of Mayan art fulfilled both political and social purposes. Because the art functioned as a type of language, to be understood by the entire population, a certain consistency in subject matter and its portrayal was necessary. While this limited the artist’s individual creativity to some degree, where one could distinguish them was in the refinement of execution, as revealed in this stunning polychrome cylinder vessel. Rendered in the mural manner, a linear style that befits the smooth vertical surface of the vase, the craftsman has artistically divided the vase into three vertical registers. The banded top register contains within it a series of Mayan glyphs that might possibly exemplify the Mayan’s calendrical expertise, for sacred scenes, such as the one depicted on the middle register of this vessel, are always accompanied by the writing of dates and constellations that mark the event. This register and the polychrome bands that form the bottom register create a natural frame for the powerful scene depicted in the middle. Here we see the main figure wearing a ferocious jaguar mask and an elaborate costume that includes jaguar skins. A procession of four standing figures, all facing the same direction, wraps around the vessel, each carrying a variety of items, while two of the figures have jaguars suspended upside down from their backs. Perhaps these four figures are in the process of presenting offerings to the main figure that stands with hands outstretched. If only these ancient images could speak, reaching across time to tell us of their ancient mystery. Alas, they cannot. However, this extraordinary vase does in some ways speak – for it communicates to us as a glorious work of art in and of itself, regardless of whether we understand the symbolic language depicted on its painted surface.   « Less

Costa Rican Basalt Metate in the Form of a Jaguar - PF.2516, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 100 AD to 500 AD, Dimensions: 17.5" (44.5cm) high x 13.75" (34.9cm) wide x 35.375"  More »

Costa Rican Basalt Metate in the Form of a Jaguar - PF.2516, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 100 AD to 500 AD, Dimensions: 17.5" (44.5cm) high x 13.75" (34.9cm) wide x 35.375" (89.9cm) depth, Catalogue: V11, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Basalt.   « Less

Basalt Sculpture Of A Standing Male Figure - PF.2517, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 41" (104.1cm) high, Catalogue: V11, Collection:  More »

Basalt Sculpture Of A Standing Male Figure - PF.2517, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 1000 AD to 1500 AD, Dimensions: 41" (104.1cm) high, Catalogue: V11, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Basalt. Expertly carved from a single piece of volcanic rock with only the use of stone and wood tools and abrasives, this dramatic masked figure is a brilliant example of the Pre-Columbian sculptural skills of the ancient artisans from the Atlantic Watershed region of Costa Rica. Standing with hands across his lower chest, this dramatic figure wears an impressive mask in the form of a stylized monkey's face. Atop his head is a short hat that covers the top portion of his hair, while the remaining long locks are rendered as incised lines that run down his back. An altogether commanding figure, we are captivated by his powerful presence. The ancient Costa Rican artist who sculpted this magnificent figure has magically captured the strength of the stone medium in a sculpted image whose powerful spirit transcends the boundaries of time and culture, affecting all who behold it in a most captivating manner.   « Less