**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Aztec, ca. 1300 to 1500 CE. An expertly carved eagle effigy vessel, depicted in a pose that demonstrates immense potential kinetic energy, as if the bird of prey is about to take flight while looking upward toward the sky. The eagle's back is delineated as an integral rounded rectangular receptacle, and his head presents a lively expression comprised of partially drilled wide open eyes and a lofty open beak, as if issuing a call. The extensive detailing on this piece is quite impressive. Notice the incised markings highlighting its eyes, beak, wings, and feet. In addition, the inherent beauty of the stone with its deep green hues and white inclusions contributes to the appeal of this wonderful work of visual culture from the Aztecs. Size: 4.25" L x 1.75" H (10.8 cm x 4.4 cm)

To the Aztecs, the eagle was the ultimate solar deity said to have been singed by the sun, and the sun was referred to as an "ascending eagle" or a "soaring eagle". In addition, the eagle was the emblem for one of their elite warrior organizations. Along with jaguar warriors, the eagle warriors associated themselves with the creatures of the sky and the underworld to signify their own military ferocity. Aztec rulers were likewise compared to eagles in order to emphasize their fearlessness and power.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140689

Intact and near choice.