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LOT 2482
Pre-Columbian Mezcala Stone Idol
CIRCA 300-100 B.C.
6 in (202 grams, 15.2 cm).
An anthropomorphic figure carved from mottled grey stone, characteristically abstract and minimalistic; the neckline, arms, and legs all delineated by the meticulous string-cutting technique, with semi-smooth texture; type group M 1 according to Gay & Pratt (Mezcala, NY 1992),. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired mid 1960s-mid 1990s.
From the collection of George and Julianne Alderman, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Carlo Gay and Frances Pratt, Mezcala, Ancient Stone Sculpture from Guerrero, Mexico, 1992, pls. 246-248.
FootnotesThe Mezcala culture, from the mountainous region of Guerrero in modern-day Mexico, is famous for its prolific production of stone sculpture, which includes human figures, animal effigies and architectural models. Little is known about this ancient civilisation, other than that it chose to bury its dead with these abstract, esoteric stone carvings, and that it was the only one of the Mesoamerican civilizations to have been so focused on architecture.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Standing Figure
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled in the round as a long-haired female with arms folded across the chest, applied hair, ears, girdle and loincloth; impressed points to the eyes and pierced ears. 109 grams, 15.2 cm
From a USA private collection. Ex Dr David Harner collection, Arkansas, 1950s-1960s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Hand modelled early Colima figures are famed for their variety and insight into how the Colima lived thousands of years ago. Figures were hand modelled and show both men and women partaking in daily activities in addition to the shaman and dancers engaged in religious ceremonies. -
Pre-Columbian Gold Frog Amulet
9th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Tumbaga (gold-copper-alloy) amuletic pendant with applied filigree and ropework bands, hollow to reverse with ribbed suspension loop; Tairona workmanship. 5.75 grams, 27 mm
From the collection of Mrs Davenport, Cambridgeshire, UK, from the past 30 years. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Pre-Columbian Frog Appliqué
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £135
Cut from a sheet of silver with repoussé pellets for eyes and skin texture; four short legs each with a circular perforation for attachment; probably Vicús Culture with Moche influence. 0.77 grams, 41 mm
André Lorenceau (b.1930-d.2019), Baselland; collected between 1960s-2000. Since then in the family. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
