Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manteno, ca. 500 to 1500 CE. An interesting stone miniature model of a monolithic throne or chair for a spiritual leader comprised of a U-shaped seat supported by a crouching figure with its legs drawn up under the body, forearms resting on the platform, and clenched fists facing forward. The figure?s eyes and mouth were delicately engraved onto its face, which highlights its prominent nose and ears. This anthropomorphic stone chair represents one of several Manteno styles; Manteno stone carvers also created chairs with zoomorphic pedestals and without any sort of figurative representation. Scholars who study Manteno objects use ethnological analogy to hypothesize that stone chairs may have been used by spiritual leaders and were linked to astronomical observations, weather predictions, and public ceremonies conducted at certain times during the agricultural year. Size: 3.7" L x 6.5" W x 5.5" H (9.4 cm x 16.5 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-H.J. Westermann, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960's

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#184524

Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Chipping to areas, with some small losses as shown, as well as expected nicks and abrasions, but otherwise, great presentation with liberal remaining detail and light earthen deposits throughout.