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LOT 1667
Pre-Columbian Olmec Style Amethyst Head
20TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
5 1/4 in. (1.1 kg, 13 cm high).
An amethyst head or mask carved in the half-round with semi-naturalistic facial features, in the Olmec style; four holes drilled to edges; shallow recess to reverse.
ProvenanceEstate sale of a head of archaeology at Tulane University, U.S.A., pre 1990s.
Ex Tooveys, West Sussex, UK, 2019.
Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 1977.187.33, for similar.
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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Prehispanic Nayarit Seated Figure
100 B.C.-200 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
A ceramic figure of a squatting male with the arms folded round the knees, mouth opened to form a spout and top of head open to form a socket, banded decoration to the body. 234 grams, 12.2 cm high
Acquired in the 1990s. English private collection.
This seated figure appears to be speaking or in song. The flared cheeks may also represent ritual piercing of the mouth, a unique feature of the art of ancient West Mexico and displayed on some Nayarit sculptures. -
Prehispanic Mayan Jade Mask
6th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
A human mask carved from a block of jade with lateral piercings for attachment at the temple and lower ear, prominent nose and lips, recessed eyes to accept inlay; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.1 kg total, 20 cm high including stand
Chipped
with Throckmorton Fine Arts, 1990s. English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11720-199826.
Carved from jade, the most highly prized material of the ancient Maya, this mask displays a naturalism suggestive of a specific individual of importance. Other known examples appear to emphasise the supernatural or aspects of particular deities. -
Prehispanic Costa Rican Ceremonial Mace Head
100-500 A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
A carved jade profile animal-head mace head with drilled eye and teeth exposed; hole close the edge for suspension; mounted on a custom-made stand. 206 grams total, 11.2 cm high including stand
Acquired in the 1990s. English private collection.
