**Originally Listed At $75**

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manteno, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. A group of five of the finest pottery spindle whorls we've ever had the pleasure of selling! Three spindle whorls display an earthtone orange color, and the other two a dark gray hue. Each bead is vertically drilled for suspension, and all have spherical or ovoid bodies. The beads have a common incised theme of the humble possum which, in Manteno culture, has a dualistic meaning. The possum represents life and fertility due to their rapid breeding practices, though conversely their habit of "playing dead" embodies the reason behind why humankind lost its immortality. A wonderful gathering from ancient Ecuador! Size of largest (all fairly similar in size): 0.55" W (1.4 cm).

Provenance: ex-Hank Johnson collection, Denver, Colorado, USA; HD-Enterprise, Denver

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#129785

All items have age-commensurate surface wear, fading to incised details, and light deposits within recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good.