Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Mixtec, ca. 1200 to 1600 CE. Three skillfully carved white shell pendants, the two smaller depicting visages with openwork eyes and mouths, one with a scalloped edge probably representing feathers; the larger roundel incised with an image of a pair of overlapping figures, probably representing a Mixtec king and warlord, donning elaborate headdresses and jewelry, with their hands raised toward the skies and pigeon-toed poses with toes and feet facing inward. According to Spanish accounts written during the Conquest period and Pre-Columbian codices with heroic narratives about Mixtec kings and nobles, the Mixtecs artisans were accomplished smiths, potters, gold-workers and precious stone cutters; apparently their skills also involved lovely carvings like these. Size: large shell roundel measures 4.25" L x 4.625" W (10.8 cm x 11.7 cm)

Provenance: private collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA

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#123119

Expected surface wear with scuffs and areas of earthen deposits commensurate with age. The largest shows a few nicks to the carved surface, but the imagery is still quite vivid. Inventory sticker on smallest. Overall an excellent group.