Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, La Venta, Olmec culture, Middle Formative Period to Intermediate Period, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. A significant duck form pendant, hand-carved from a mottled pale green and creamy jadeite stone. This naturalistic carving shows a duckling with its head tucked into its body, as if resting or looking backwards. The head has been emphasized with bulging brow and large eyes, yet the overall balance of the sculpture is pleasing. There is an interesting effect which can be seen when the pendant is viewed straight on from the tail feathers - possibly a transformation between avian and man. The body and tail form human arms and hands which appear to reach out toward the viewer. There are three small holes drilled at the end of the semi-translucent tail for other attachments or ornamentation. A piercing for suspension has been drilled though the neck of the bird. This is a striking and wearable Olmec stone totem that has been strung in modern times on a cord with a lobster clasp. Size of pendant: 2.25" L x .75" W x 1.5" H (5.7 cm x 1.9 cm x 3.8 cm); cord: 20.5" L (52.1 cm)

While difficult to completely understand their belief system given that the Olmec were pre-literate, scholars theorize that their famous monumental stone heads, which can weigh up to forty tons, may have been erected to honor ancestors or rulers. The smaller jade and greenstone figures and amulets like this example are thought to represent totems or divinities. The artistry and technique of Olmec sculptural works is remarkable given what little technology that was available to them as well as the dearth of earlier works to reference for inspiration. The Olmec style oftentimes embraces a certain amount of naturalism as well as abstract interpretation of features as we see in this duck amulet. Olmec statuettes representing figures donning duck masks suggest that Olmec shaman may have worn duck masks to assume an alter ego. Ichnographically in the Pre-Columbian world, ducks were viewed as sacred animals of the watery realm and the sky world, as they could both dive deep under water and fly long distances through the air.

Provenance: ex-private Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex private Texas, USA collection, since 1963, in the USA prior to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#164027

Great condition with original polish and light mineral and earthen deposits present. Minor abrasion on stomach and nick to beak. Strung in modern times on a modern cord and is wearable.