Pre-Columbian, Mexico and Mayan territories, Aztec and Mayan, pre-1500 CE. A rich assortment of five clay stamps created by various Pre-Columbian cultures, including an Aztec abstract standing monkey, an Aztec Quetzalcoatl figure with tongue extended, a dancing Mayan lord/shaman, a Mayan lord visage, and a small round stamp with geometric designs or glyph. Scholars believe that stamps such as this were used to adorn the body for ceremonial rituals. Archaeological evidence in the form of ancient Tlatilco earthenware figurines with remnants of pigmented markings on their faces and bodies support this interpretation. Sizes: largest measures 2-1/4" x 1-3/8".

Provenance: Ex-private Martine collection, Centennial, CO, acquired by family descent in 2002; previously acquired by relatives in Mexico in 1950's and brought into United States in early 1970's.

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#108834

Normal surface wear to all examples from use and age; Quetzalcoatl stamp repaired from two pieces; nick to handle of small round stamp; some wear and loss to peripheries of dancing shaman stamp