Lot 161a, Auction 3/19/2026: 6 Pre-Columbian Pottery and Greenstone Artifacts

$325.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerica, Guerrero, Mezcala culture, ca. 700 to 200 BCE; Central Mexico, Chupicuaro culture, ca. 500 BCE to 200 CE; Mesoamerica, Maya culture, ca. 600 to 900 CE; South America, Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. An engaging group of six Pre-Columbian artifacts representing diverse artistic traditions from Mesoamerica and the Andes. The collection includes a Chimu blackware double-chambered whistle bridge vessel fragment surmounted by a small modeled bird, its dark burnished surface characteristic of Chimu ceramic production along the north coast of Peru. Also included is a Chupicuaro pottery standing figure from Central Mexico, modeled with stylized facial features and a compact, upright posture typical of this early ceramic tradition. A Maya pottery maskette resembling a monkey accompanies the group, with rounded features and perforations suggesting use as a pendant or attachment. Size of largest (vessel fragment): 5.5″ L x 3″ W x 5.3″ H (14 cm x 7.6 cm x 13.5 cm)

The lot further includes a Guerrero Mezcala greenstone standing figure, carved in the culture’s distinctive geometric style that reduces the human body to simplified planes and block-like forms. Completing the group are two Maya pottery spindle whorl beads, one decorated with a small relief anthropomorphic figure and the other with simple incised ornamentation. Together, these pieces reflect the remarkable range of sculptural approaches found across the ancient Americas, from the abstract stone carving of Guerrero to the expressive ceramic traditions of Central Mexico, the Maya region, and the Andean coast.

Condition: Vessel is fragmentary as shown. Figure and vessel have been repaired with break lines visible. Figure is missing feet. All have heavy weathering with nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Pottery head might be from a larger piece. Good remaining detail on spindle whorl with figure and standing figure.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection

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