Impressive Valdivian Stone Owl Figure - Apr 08, 2021 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

Impressive Valdivian Stone Owl Figure

Related Home & Décor

More Items in Pre-Columbian Home & Décor

View More
item-100760488=1
item-100760488=2
item-100760488=3
item-100760488=4
item-100760488=5
Impressive Valdivian Stone Owl Figure
Impressive Valdivian Stone Owl Figure
Item Details
Description
Pre-Columbian, South America, Ecuador, Valdivian, Earliest Horizon, ca. 2300 to 2000 BCE. A hand carved, light grey limestone palette of a curved, quasi-rectangular form with boldly cut lines delineating a perched owl, its visage skillfully rendered from one continuous incised curved line that remarkably delineates all the facial features - a pair of rounded square eyes, a straight nose, and a linear mouth. Beyond this, the minimalist approach of the sculptor delineates the neckline, torso, legs, and wings of this nocturnal creature in an abstract manner that ironically resonates with a modern aesthetic. Owls were widely symbolic in the Pre-Columbian world, considered Shamanic, guiding humans on their journeys to other worlds, the divine, and death. In some cultures an anthropomorphic owl represented a warrior or war god. A very rare find, from the Valdivia culture which existed from approximately 3500 to 1800 BCE - only about 1700 years in total! Size: 4.375" W x 9.875" H (11.1 cm x 25.1 cm); 10.625" H (27 cm) on included custom stand.

The ancient Valdivia culture of Ecuador was initially discovered by archaeologist Emilio Estrada in 1956, fairly recently in historic terms, and it is regarded as one of the oldest cultures of the ancient Americas. Interestingly, this culture still poses a bit of a mystery to scholars as no finite end to this culture has been identified yet; what's more, no sign of a cultural migration has surfaced. Most plausible is that the population somehow dwindled inspiring members of the communities to leave their settlements in search of opportunities elsewhere.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Lakewood, Colorado, USA collection, acquired 2015; ex-Muzeion Gallery, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, acquired before 2010

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.

#163379
Condition
Expected surface wear with a few miniscule nicks, light scratches, and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and excellent.
Buyer's Premium
  • 24.5%

Impressive Valdivian Stone Owl Figure

Estimate $4,000 - $6,000
See Sold Price
Starting Price $2,000
15 bidders are watching this item.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
Offers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available

Payment

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,916 Followers
TOP