**Originally Listed At $2500**

Pre-Columbian, South America, Argentina, La Aguada / Aquada culture, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A striking and dramatic stone bowl with a stocky conical body and a dramatically-flared rim, all supported atop a quartet of bent, attenuated legs. The bowl is carved along the exterior with a set of two minimalist stylized visages, perhaps the depictions of trophy heads or warriors, each with recessed eyes as well as their own unique characteristics like puffy cheeks or a prominent triangular nose. What little scholars know of the Aguada culture is that warfare was quite prevalent, and oftentimes burials included the remains of decapitated victims. In fact, the sudden disappearance of the Aguada peoples may have been due to an invasion from the east. Size: 6.375" W x 4.875" H (16.2 cm x 12.4 cm).

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Arias collection, California, USA; ex-Everett Rassica collection; ex-collection of Imre and Nicholas T. Molnar, acquired between 1960-1978, by descent

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#134504

Small chips to rim, with light softening to some facial details, and light encrustations within basin, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.