Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Huastec, ca. 900 to 1450 CE. A fascinating sculpture, carved from a single piece of stone, depicting a monkey sitting with slightly upraised knees, elbows bent, and hands holding either side of his neck - his long tail raised against his back with a curled end - staring straight ahead with a surprised or perhaps entranced facial expression comprised of bulging eyes, a relatively naturalistic nose, and a closed mouth that is downturned at the corners presenting a solemn frown. The simian creature is further detailed with incised fur, a large navel, as well as fingers and toes. An unusual example depicting a monkey or a transformed shaman. Transformative figures taking on the traits of monkeys and other animals are some of the most evocative and interesting figures from the Pre-Columbian world, representing belief in a magical world inhabited by shapeshifting shamans. Size: 5.375" H (13.7 cm)

Provenance: private Tacoma Washington USA

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#131685

Expected surface wear with areas of earthen encrustation and mineral deposits as shown.