Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A collection of 4 Spondylus shell pendants and amulets, each hand-carved into zoomorphic and anthropomorphic forms. The shells are white and rich pale orange, pink, and beige colors. The 2 larger, slightly curved pendants are in the form of an animal, probably a coatimundi. The creature has short legs and a long tail and upturned snout. Both are pierced to create an amulet. These playful animals were tamed as pets in ancient Mesoamerica. The next is anthropomorphic figure, with a shallow hand drilled cavity as eyes and mouth, and piercings on the verso for suspension. The last is the most abstract, a curved profile with string cut lines, perhaps an abstract lizard or caiman. Undoubtedly, these pendants held both symbolic and ritualistic meaning! Size of largest: 4" L x 1.25" W (10.2 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#165663

Losses to human figure's legs and arms. Natural ossification and pitting of shells. Chips and nicks to all. Light earthen deposits on all and scattered mineral deposits. Losses to suspension holes on human. Smallest pendant not recommended to wear, due to shell pitting around piercings. The two large elongated pendants could be wearable.