Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, ca. 550 to 900 CE. Skillfully carved in the round from a single hefty stone, a jaguar shown seated and glaring out at the viewer with a formidable expression. Just look at those large bulging eyes, those thick raised brows, and that wide opened mouth bearing sharp fangs. In addition to this expressive face, the body is carefully delineated with kneeling hind legs, arm-like front legs with paws held together and toes delineated, and a tucked in tail. Size: 8.125" L x 7" W x 10.75" H (20.6 cm x 17.8 cm x 27.3 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Known as the "king of beasts" in the Pre-Columbian world and infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature and inspire respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were associated with strength and leadership, whether regarding spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector. According to a dramatic narrative in the Popol Vuh, the protective hero twin Xbalanque, possessing a zoomorphic phenotype with jaguar skin, fought the monster macaw Vucub Caquix with his twin Hunahpu, and the hero twins defeated the monster.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Eugene Lions collection, Geneve, Switzerland, collected 1960 to 2000

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#164591

Collection label on verso. Expected surface wear with nicks, chips, abrasions, and some losses throughout, all commensurate with age. Indentation to verso. Repair to proper left knee with some loss and fissures present. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits.