Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivia culture, ca. 3500 to 1500 BCE. A gorgeous hand-carved Spondylus shell amulet in the shape of a long zoomorphic creature with two integral hand-drilled piercings through the head and tail. This shell is mostly a creamy white surface with a maroon area on the tail, showcasing the natural coloration of the Spondylus shell. The animal this amulet depicts is a coatimundi, a raccoon like creature that was tamed by ancient Valdivian people. The coati is depicted with his tail hanging down, a curving body, and his front paws clasp his elongated snout. Two drilled cavities create eyes, and two perked ears completes the creature. Coatis were also symbols of life and dawn; as nocturnal animals, coatis are most active at dawn. Spondylus amulets had spiritual significance and power in many Andean cultures, and this striking effigy is imbued with power from the material used and creature it depicts. Size: 5.5" L x 1.375" W (14 cm x 3.5 cm); 6.75" H (17.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection, purchased April 2006; ex-Santana Gallery, San Juan Bautista, California, USA

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#165134

Natural ossification and pitting of shell surface. Chips and nicks to high pointed areas, light mineral and earthen deposits on surface and recessed areas.