Largest and perhaps finest example of a Valdivian "Venus" figure we have ever handled! Dates between 2500 and 1800 BC, among some of the earliest pottery found in the New World. Early pottery standing female created in deep brown showing female with long incised hair and typical simple features. Museum-grade black metal stand. 4-1/2"H x 2-1/2"W, intact/choice condition. ... Click for details
From ancient Ecuador, Chorrera culture, ca. 1000 – 500 B.C. Burnished redware pottery bottle vessel with raised squash lobe decoration encircling. 8"H x 7"W at widest, intact/generally excellent condition, save minor rim chipping and a bit of surface wear.
PROVENANCE: Ex-private East Coast Collection, ex-private Texas Collection. ... Click for details
A superb Narino pedestal bowl from the Tuza cultural complex of Colombia, ca. 1250 – 1500 AD. It is 7-1/2” in diameter, 4” high and is decorated with two pairs of opposing deer, separated by characteristic star designs forming butterfly patterns and surrounded by stylized monkeys. All are fertility related motifs, with the deer representing the important male-female duality motif. In excellent condition, with strong paint and good mineral deposits.
Ceramic human figures are represented by the Chorrera people with rounded, full volume forms with minimum anatomical details. This figure stands tall, approx 12.5 inches! The broad head has a plain, tight fitting cap, the facial features are simply modeled however seem to be re-constructed. The pierced earlobes are very common on Ecuadoran figures and as in this example has ear spools. It is a genderless figure which is decorated with incised lines on the upper and lower section of the body (per... Click for details
This lovely Narino shell-form whistle is from the Tuza cultural complex of Colombia, ca. 1250 - 1500 AD. It is 3-3/4” long and is decorated with a pair of animated felines. Vivid chestnut-brown paint over cream slip, strong mineral deposits.
See Labbe, “Colombia Before Columbus”, page 149, for similar example.
Unusual form! Standing Female Idol Figure from the ancient Quimbaya culture of Colombia, ca. 1200 AD. Rare variant of the well-known pottery slab figures, she is nude with large flat head, large nose, indications for small breasts, naval and genitalia, with hints of original pigmentation on reverse. Drilled at shoulders for suspension. 7-1/2" H x 5-1/4"W, intact/generally excellent, save surface wear. ... Click for details
A superb Narino pedestal bowl from the Tuza cultural complex of Colombia, ca. 1250 – 1500 AD. It is 7-1/2” in diameter, 4-1/2” high and is decorated with a pair of opposing figures, separated by characteristic net-form butterfly designs. Both are fertility motifs, with the figures representing the important male-female duality motif. In excellent condition, with strong paint and good mineral deposits.
A choice Chorrera bowl from Ecuador, ca. 1200 – 200 BC. This large “belly bowl” is 5” in diameter and has the characteristic head protruding at the top. The edges are beautifully scalloped, with the upper side of the chamber incised with linear designs and the underside covered with the typical red slip. Nicely burnished, good mineral deposits and root marks.
Extremely rare size! Ancient Pre-Columbian Narino Amphora from Colombia, ca. 500-1000 A.D. A fine miniature version of the classic 'bullet' style amphora. Slender, elongated body with rounded-point base, tapered neck and flared rim. Polychrome pottery with black negative-resist geometric decoration, with black and red bands on tan ground. Metal tripod stand. 9-1/4"H (not including stand), rim partially restored where there was chipping and roughness, plus minor paint loss near pointed bas... Click for details
This dramatic piece is from the La Tolita culture that is from northern Ecuador, Esmeraldas region. The La Tolita culture takes its name from a famous site that is located on an island at the mouth of the Santiago River. This superb piece dates circa 400 B.C.-300 A.D., is a light brown terracotta, and is approximately 3.75 inches high by 4 inches wide. This piece is a mask that depicts a simian and/or shaman, and the expression is quite dramatic, as the fine detail of the teeth and nose is ea... Click for details
