Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 2602

Pre-Columbian Veracruz Stone Hacha in the Form of Xipe Totec Deity

MEXICO, 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

9 3/4 in. (3.21 kg total, 24.7 cm high).

Carved stone hacha of a lifelike anthropomorphic head with prominent ovoid eyes slanted inward; open, fish-like mouth and broad, rounded nose beneath a backward-sweeping crest; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Provenance

Arthur and Lillian Weiss collection, New England, USA, 1970s.
Saint Petersburg collection, Florida, USA.
with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 2 May 2021.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Footnotes

The image of Xipe Totec, deity of spring and rebirth was strongly adopted in Veracruz through the classic period. The deity is often displayed wearing the skin of a sacrificial victim with mouth open.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 2602

Pre-Columbian Veracruz Stone Hacha in the Form of Xipe Totec Deity

Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Pre-Columbian Veracruz Stone Hacha in the Form of Xipe Totec Deity
    Pre-Columbian Veracruz Stone Hacha in the Form of Xipe Totec Deity
    Mexico, 5th-7th century A.D.

    Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £500

    Carved stone hacha of a lifelike anthropomorphic head with prominent ovoid eyes slanted inward; open, fish-like mouth and broad, rounded nose beneath a backward-sweeping crest; mounted on a custom-made stand. 3.21 kg total, 24.7 cm high



    Arthur and Lillian Weiss collection, New England, USA, 1970s. Saint Petersburg collection, Florida, USA. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 2 May 2021. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    The image of Xipe Totec, deity of spring and rebirth was strongly adopted in Veracruz through the classic period. The deity is often displayed wearing the skin of a sacrificial victim with mouth open.

    Lot Details

  • Aztec Stone Seated Figure
    Aztec Stone Seated Figure
    Mexico, 1400-1500 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690

    Carved seated figure wearing jaguar-skin cowl shown with hands resting above the abdomen with recess to accept a sacred object; mounted on a custom-made stand. 288 grams, 97 mm (436 grams total, 13 cm including stand)



    with Sotheby's, Parke Bernet, 31 May 1975, no.292. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    The jaguar-skin cowl is an emblem of power and shamanic transformation in Mesoamerican cultures and was particularly adopted by the Aztec civilization to harness the power of the predator. This piece shows an interesting patina of lines and wear, possibly from exposure to water from ancient times.

    Lot Details

  • Pre-Columbian Inca Artefact Collection
    Pre-Columbian Inca Artefact Collection
    15th-16th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    Mixed group including an embroidered textile fragments, and tassel with decorative band. 29 grams total, 18.5-44 cm



    Acquired in the 1940s-1950s. Ex Hiller collection; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list