Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, Earliest Horizons, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A wonderful example of an abstract anthropomorphic standing figure that is hand-carved from beige-hued sandstone. The figure presents in the shape of an enlarged jaguar tooth and has fused conical legs, slender arms folded atop the chest, narrow shoulders, and a stocky neckline. The elongated head has a minimalist countenance with shallow drilled eyes and a slit-form mouth, segments bangs that flank the sides, and a tall headdress with a string-cut brim. Many string-cut striations are embellished with applied red pigment that stands out against the soft tan hue of the stone. Size: 1.94" W x 5.85" H (4.9 cm x 14.9 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Furthermore, its spotted coat represented the starry night sky. A lovely effigy piece, possessing many levels of symbolism.

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection, purchased May 7, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Lands Beyond Gallery, New York, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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#170486

Minor nicks and abrasions to legs, body, and head, with softening to some finer details on body and face, light fading to red pigment, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice traces of red pigment in scattered obverse areas. Figure attached to display stand with modern adhesive material and can be removed, but may be difficult to reattach to stand once removed.