**Originally Listed At $2500**

Pre-Columbian, Maya culture, probably Guatemala, late Preclassic period, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A fabulous stone sculpture of a jaguar - an important animal in Mesoamerican culture - depicted seated on his hind legs like a puppy and grasping 2 pointed objects, perhaps ears of maize, a staple crop of the Maya. Mouth agape as though mid-roar, the fierce feline displays prominent fangs and an extended tongue. The artist combines naturalistic qualities, such as a rounded snout, with exaggerated and stylized characteristics, like the huge, bulging eyes, spiraling nostrils, and scrolling ears. His body similarly takes an abstract form resembling a turtle, a cosmological symbol of pre-Columbian cultures who related its shell to the celestial vault and the animal’s body with the axis that united both heaven and earth. A splendid and sizable example, replete with ancient Mesoamerican iconography! Size: 6.3" W x 14" H (16 cm x 35.6 cm)

Volcanic stone figures like this example would have guarded the entrances to villages or agricultural fields. A similar stone jaguar that measures over six feet tall can be found in the archeological site of El Baul on the south coast of Guatemala, which was associated with early cacao production. The jaguar was considered to be a protector of cacao plantations in the Olmec and Maya world, and statues like this were frequently made to frighten thieves.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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.

#175046

Some minor chipping, as well as expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail. Light earthen deposits throughout.