Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 500 BCE. A superb hand-carved serpentine drug spoon of mottled deep green and gray hues with a lengthy handle and a rectangular preparation surface. The back of the "bowl" section shows the incised image of the Olmec Supernatural wearing cleft elements on a headband, its own head showing a central cleft. The Crossed Bands symbols in the corners of the large, downturned mouth indicate the Supernatural is in a Sky realm, and associated with rain. In fact, circles symbolic of rain can be seen on its forehead and all along and above the repeated cleft pattern on the "handle" area. The heft of this spoon may indicate this piece of beautiful stone was repurposed from a vessel or even possibly an heirloom mask. Size: 8" L x 1.5" W (20.3 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174980

Chip above twin suspension holes. Some possibility cinnabar areas enhanced as is often the case.