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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): £52
In pale orange terracotta with black patina spotting, male standing with arms folded across his chest, with well-modelled facial details and wearing a brimmed cap with decoration, ear plugs and loincloth extending in a strip between the legs and up the back. 118 grams, 15.6 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 Terracotta Nayarit Figure Group
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Each modelled in the round; the female wearing an ankle-length skirt, bracelet on her right arm, disc ear-lugs and a hollow bulbous hat; male with rings on his left arm and ankle-length garment, painted collar, ear-plugs and brimmed hat; painted detailing to both. 560 grams total, 13.8-15.1 cm
From a private New York City collection. Acquired from Arte Primitivo, New York, USA, 1990s. 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. -
Pre-Columbian Terracotta Colima Standing Female
100 B.C.-250 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
In pale yellow-orange terracotta, female standing with one arm wrapped around her waist, the other holding an object, probably a baby; with distinctive facial features, wearing a cap and with large ear plugs, with applied pellet decoration on her right shoulder, to the reverse a long pigtail hanging down. 132 grams, 16.5 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.
