Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian or Manabi, Bahia culture, ca. 1500 BCE to 500 CE. An interesting shell pendant and vessel carved from a thick piece of Spondylus shell with layers of white and pink-red hues. A human face with a large nose and both hands placed upon the cheeks. Behind this is a perforation for suspending the piece followed by an integral raised cylindrical spout - the overall form of this pendant somewhat resembles a spouted vessel- perhaps used like a poporo, a small container for holding lime powder. Size: 1.5" L x 1" W x 2" H (3.8 cm x 2.5 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, purchased from Artemis Gallery, April 30, 2020, lot 191; ex-private New York, USA collection from 1966; ex-Lands Beyond Gallery

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#183427

Natural shell ossification and pitting, otherwise intact and great condition. Mineral buildup on interior of cavity hole.