Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 150 to 650 CE. A massive figural mortar, made from porous volcanic rock and possessing a wonderfully weathered surface. Carved in a fascinating combination of high and low relief, the round mortar has a transformational anthropomorphic/zoomorphic face with symmetrical features. Round, disc-like eyes stare out at the viewer above a skull-like nose. The mouth appears to be that of a feline, with a long tongue and huge fangs. Two deep grooves on the top of the head give the suggestion of cat-like ears. The opposite side of the mortar from the face is concave, forming the functional part of this ceremonial tool. Size: 11.25" W x 9.5" H (28.6 cm x 24.1 cm)

Teotihuacan is the largest pre-Columbian site in the Americas, called the City of the Gods by the Aztecs, who were as fascinated by its ruins and lost culture as we are today. The artisans of Teotihuacan were masters at carving volcanic stone, which came from an andesite outcropping just a little over a mile south of the ancient city. Their massive Pyramid of the Sun is covered with over a million tons of carved volcanic rock. Transformational, god-like figures and skulls were common motifs, speaking to the cosmology of the people who lived there, which was in part based on human sacrifice to ensure the continuation of the agricultural cycle.

Provenance: ex-Albert Stendahl, owner of Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#134369

Surface is weathered but preservation of form is excellent. Repaired from two large pieces with a small (~1") piece missing along one side of the repair line.