THOMASTON, Maine — Thomaston Place Auction Galleries will present collections of international tribal artifacts and antiquities in a two-day sale to be held Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 (Day 1, Day 2). The auction will include groups of African, Oceanic, Native American and Inuit, Pre-Columbian and ancient Mediterranean artifacts from estates and collections throughout the northeastern United States.
“We have gathered an exciting inventory of rare items, representing the creative energy of diverse cultures from ancient to modern times,” said Thomaston Place Auction Galleries owner Kaja Veilleux.
One of the sale’s top lots is an extremely rare Mayan censer, dating to 550-950 A.D., depicting the decapitated head of a sacrificial victim painted in Mayan blue — the preferred color to paint people before they would lose their heads, so to speak. When it is in use, smoke emits from the ears and mouth. It carries an estimate of $6,500-$7,500.
Purchased in the Old Curiosity Shop on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles in the 1950s, this royal gilded Tumi with bells would have been worn by the Lord King of the Mochicas of first-century A.D. Peru. Mochica ceramic depictions of warriors show this exact item being worn. It is estimated at $8,500-$9,500.
The Kuba people of Zaire created this beaded helmet or mask. Made of wood, the helmet-mask features glass beads, shells, skin, monkey fur and copper. The artwork depicts Bawoom, brother of Woot, and is estimated at $6,000-$8,000.
Browse the two-day sale now at LiveAuctioneers.
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